Miss Universe Nigeria Winner Chidimma Adetshina Addresses Controversy Over Miss South Africa Pageant Participation
Chidimma Vannesa Adetshina speaks out on the backlash surrounding her identity and her decision to withdraw from the Miss South Africa competition.
Also Read: Miss SA Breaks Silence as Chidimma Adetshina Exits Pageant
Identity Controversy Sparks Outcry
Chidimma Vannesa Adetshina, the newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, has opened up about the challenges she faced when she participated in the Miss South Africa pageant.
According to Adetshina, the backlash began with her name, which sparked outrage among some South Africans.
“South Africans felt like I was not South African enough because of my name, and it was really hard to see,” Adetshina shared in a recent interview following her victory in Nigeria.
Despite having lived in South Africa for 23 years, Adetshina expressed deep hurt over the situation, The Sunday World revealed.
“It is heartbreaking to see that I was not welcomed and accepted.”
A Difficult Decision to Withdraw
Adetshina revealed that behind-the-scenes incidents forced her to withdraw from the Miss South Africa pageant just before the finale. Although she did not go into detail, she mentioned that the decision was heavily influenced by a situation involving her mother’s identity, which became a legal matter.
“A decision needed to be made, and it really hit social media as well.
“There were some statements that came out from Home Affairs with regards to my mom’s ID as well, and that is still a legal matter,”she explained.
Despite the controversy, Adetshina remains proud of her heritage, stating,
“What I do know is that I was born in South Africa, and I am still South African, and I am still proudly Nigerian.”
Warm Welcome in Nigeria
In contrast to her experience in South Africa, Adetshina described her reception in Nigeria as overwhelmingly positive.
“I have experienced extraordinary love in Nigeria — not just from the girls, the group, or the organisation — but also from everyone else,” she said.
Her journey culminated in her crowning as Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 during a ceremony at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre on Victoria Island. She was among 25 contestants competing for the prestigious title and a cash prize of N10-million (R112 000).
Adetshina will now represent Nigeria in the Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico this November.