Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 arrives Mexico amidst nationality controversy with South Africa

Chidimma Adetshina, Nigeria’s representative at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant, has arrived in Mexico ahead of the event scheduled for November 16.

Adetshina, who was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 in August, touched down in North America, where she took to Instagram to express her gratitude to her fans, thanking them for their unwavering support.

“To the charming gardeners of the Universe,” Adetshina wrote in her post, “I appeal to you to welcome me with open hands, hearken to the echoes of a mind on a mission, a story so big, and a drive so powerful to call the Universe to action.”

However, her journey has been clouded by controversy, as South African authorities have threatened to revoke her citizenship and travel documents. The South Africa-based model became embroiled in a nationality dispute earlier this year after reaching the finals of the Miss South Africa pageant, a move that ignited debate over her Mozambican and Nigerian roots. Social media backlash, fueled by xenophobic criticism, led to an investigation by the South African Department of Home Affairs into her eligibility to participate.

Amid mounting pressure, Adetshina withdrew from the Miss South Africa contest and later entered the Miss Universe Nigeria competition representing Taraba State, where she ultimately won the title.

On Tuesday, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs informed a parliamentary committee that both Adetshina and her mother could face document revocation for allegedly failing to meet a deadline to substantiate their citizenship claims. Tommy Makhode, a senior official in the department, revealed that the case had been referred to the Hawks, a South African police unit that investigates serious crimes, which has deemed it a “case of fraud.” Any further action now rests on the decision of state prosecutors.

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Despite the ongoing challenges, the 22-year-old model has shown resilience and a strong sense of dual heritage. In a recent interview with the BBC, Adetshina affirmed her identity, describing herself as “proudly South African” and “proudly Nigerian.”

As she now prepares to represent Nigeria on the world stage, Adetshina’s journey to Miss Universe has become a symbol of both cultural pride and international resilience amidst the complexities of identity.