Chidimma Adetshina, a former Miss South Africa contestant, has won the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 title. Adetshina, compelled to withdraw from the Miss South Africa competition, emerged victorious over 24 other contestants.
Adetshina, who hails from Soweto, had to exit the Miss South Africa pageant because the Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gaston McKenzie, objected to her competing because of her Nigerian-Mozambican background. She made it to the final 16 before the Home Affairs Ministry, and some South Africans demanded her disqualification due to her nationality.
Despite the pageantry organisers’ approval to compete as a naturalised citizen of South Africa, Adetshina announced her withdrawal from the competition, citing concerns for her safety and her family’s well-being following xenophobic attacks on social media.
Adetshina’s participation in Miss Universe Nigeria
Citing the ongoing attacks against her person and threats to her family after her withdrawal, the National Director of Miss Universe Nigeria, Guy Murray-Bruce, invited her to compete in the just concluded MUN 2024. On Saturday, Adetshina, who represented Taraba State, was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024.
Reactions to Adetshina’s win
Amid the Adetshina controversy, Ufa Dania, a contender from Kwara State, garnered significant backing from South Africans on social media to spite Nigerians, with many voting for her. Several South Africans who had anticipated Dania’s victory, showed empathy towards her, labelling her the “true queen” in light of Adetshina’s triumph.
On the flip side, Nigerians had mixed feelings. While some hailed Chidimma’s victory and determination, others raised concerns about her background and the fairness of the competition.
Adetshina will represent Nigeria on the global stage in Mexico this November, where she will be competing against women from countries all over the world, including Mia le Roux who will be representing South Africa.
