Chidimma Adetshina Crowned Miss Nigeria After Pageantry Controversy

A former Miss South Africa contestant, who faced intense scrutiny over her nationality, was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria on Saturday, marking a positive turn after a challenging few weeks.

Chidimma Adetshina, 23, was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father. She withdrew from the Miss South Africa competition, citing concerns for her family’s safety following a wave of backlash fueled by anti-foreigner sentiments in the country.

Speaking shortly after her victory in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, Adetshina expressed her pride and gratitude, saying, “This journey has been tough for me… I am so proud of myself and deeply thankful for the love and support.” She added, “This is something I’ve always wanted, and I’m glad to have a second chance to achieve it.”

Adetshina’s Nigerian roots had led to harsh xenophobic attacks and controversy when she was announced as a finalist for Miss South Africa in July. Additionally, there were claims being investigated by the South African government suggesting her mother might have falsified her identity.

Her case brought to the fore the country’s history with xenophobia. Nigerian hairdresser Oluwadamilola Oshodi, who lived in Cape Town for five years, said the controversy recalled his own experience: “People treat us with suspicion. I was imprisoned for four months in 2022. The immigration guy that arrested me said to me… my crime was not because of my immigration papers, but because I was married to his sister. They really hate us.”

Despite not having lived in Nigeria for over 20 years, the organizers of the Miss Universe Nigeria competition invited Adetshina to participate, emphasizing that it was an opportunity for her to represent her father’s homeland on an international platform.

“We need to put an end to xenophobia and tribalism,” said Paula Ezendu, the first runner-up. We’re all one family. We’re all human beings.”

Adetshina reaffirmed her affection for South Africa despite the controversy and expressed gratitude for the support she had received there. She will now go on to represent Nigeria in the Miss Universe competition in November, expressing confidence that her country would win. “I know we are going to win,” she said.