Chidimma Adetshina’s Citizenship Controversy Leads to Miss Universe Nigeria Invitation
Chidimma Adetshina
Chidimma Adetshina, a former Miss South Africa contestant, has been invited to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant after withdrawing from the Miss SA competition amidst controversy over her citizenship. Adetshina, 23, announced her decision to step down on Thursday following revelations that her Mozambican mother might have committed identity fraud in 2001 to acquire South African citizenship, the year Adetshina was born.
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs initiated an investigation into her citizenship after widespread public concern regarding her eligibility to compete, citing her Nigerian father and Mozambican mother as factors potentially disqualifying her from the Miss SA pageant, despite her birth in South Africa.
In light of these challenges, the Miss Universe Nigeria organizers extended an invitation to Adetshina, expressing empathy for the situation that forced her to withdraw from the South African competition.
“As a Nigerian by heritage, we would like to formally invite you to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant. This is an opportunity to represent your father’s native land on an international stage, and we believe you would be an outstanding contender. We encourage you to consider this opportunity and take part in a competition that celebrates the strength, intelligence, and diversity of Nigerian women. Should you wish to participate, all you need to do is respond to this invitation, and we will be delighted to guide you through the next steps,” said Guy Murray-Bruce, the national director of Miss Universe Nigeria.
Chidimma Adetshina
However, this invitation has sparked controversy among some who argue that allowing Adetshina to join the competition at this stage is unfair to other contestants who have followed the standard process to reach the finals. Critics have suggested that she should instead compete in the following year’s pageant. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding her eligibility to represent Nigeria, given her South African birth and citizenship.
The situation has also led to international repercussions. The Puebla International Literature Festival in Mexico has removed South Africa from its position as the designated ‘Country-in-Focus’ for this year’s event, citing the backlash over Adetshina’s involvement in the Miss SA contest.
Festival director Ikenna Okeh highlighted the “distressing events” in South Africa, including the state’s probe into Adetshina’s citizenship, which he said had resulted in “mob rule” and the victimization of Adetshina, her family, and other immigrants in the country. He stated that these events undermine the principles of justice and human dignity, which the festival aims to uphold.
“The Puebla International Literature Festival aims to position itself as a beacon for the celebration of diverse voices, cultures, and ideas. We believe that literature has the power to challenge the status quo, speak to authority, and give a voice to the voiceless. However, we cannot, in good conscience, honor a country as a focal point of our celebration when it is currently embroiled in such profound injustices as those surrounding the Miss SA beauty pageantry,” Okeh said.
He clarified that this decision was not meant to disregard the literary contributions of South African writers, artists, and poets but was instead a statement that aligns with the festival’s values.
“We stand in solidarity with those who are fighting for justice, both within South Africa and across the globe. We will continue to support and provide platforms for South African writers and thinkers who are working towards positive change. However, we believe it is crucial to send a clear message that cultural recognition cannot be divorced from ethical responsibility,” Okeh added.
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