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Chidimma Adetshina Emerges as Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 Amid Controversy and Rejection by South African Authorities
By Showbiz Reporter | ZimEye | Vanessa Adetshina, a 23-year-old law student born and raised in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024. Adetshina, who entered the competition as Miss Taraba, emerged victorious in a night filled with beauty, talent, and unexpected twists.
However, Adetshina’s path to the crown was marred by controversy. Her journey began with her participation in the Miss South Africa pageant, but she was forced to withdraw just a day before the final round following accusations from South Africa’s Home Affairs Ministry. The Ministry alleged that Adetshina’s mother was involved in fraud and identity theft, casting a shadow over her eligibility to compete.
In response to the allegations, the Home Affairs Ministry released a statement rejecting her participation, citing serious concerns over her mother’s legal status in South Africa. The Ministry’s spokesperson said, “We have reason to believe that there are irregularities regarding the documentation and legal status of Ms. Adetshina’s family in South Africa, and until these matters are resolved, we cannot endorse her participation in the Miss South Africa pageant.”
Facing public scrutiny and a barrage of xenophobic attacks on social media, Adetshina made the difficult decision to step back from the Miss South Africa competition. “After much careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and well-being of my family and I,” she wrote on Instagram. Her announcement followed weeks of online abuse, with some critics — including cabinet ministers — questioning her credentials and legitimacy due to her Nigerian descent.
Despite this setback, Adetshina was invited by the Miss Universe Nigeria organizers to compete in their pageant, which she accepted, representing Taraba. Her participation brought fresh energy and determination to the competition, and she soon became a crowd favorite.
The Miss Universe Nigeria pageant was a glittering event, filled with remarkable talent and fierce competition. The evening saw Miss Anambra, Paula Ezendu, emerge as the first runner-up, earning the title of Miss Supranational, while Miss Ondo, Ayegbidun Peace Olamide, secured the second runner-up position, known as Miss Lush. Special awards were also given to Miss Rivers and Miss Kwara for their outstanding performances.
Other notable winners included Miss Oyo, who scooped the Top Model Award, Miss Imo, who won the Best Costume Award, and Miss Abuja, who took home the Best Talent Award. The top ten finalists included contestants from Kwara, Edo, Taraba, Anambra, Ogun, Plateau, Lagos, Rivers, Ekiti, and Ondo.
As the competition reached its climax, the top five finalists — Miss Taraba, Miss Rivers, Miss Edo, Miss Ondo, and Miss Anambra — were announced. Among the three contestants with the highest votes, Adetshina emerged as the new Miss Universe Nigeria, based on the judges’ scorecards.
Reflecting on her unexpected journey, Adetshina shared, “This victory is a testament to resilience and perseverance. Despite the challenges and the rejection by the Home Affairs Ministry, I have shown that no obstacle is too great to overcome. I am honored to represent Nigeria and to show the world that strength and grace can come from even the most trying circumstances.”
Adetshina’s victory not only highlights her beauty and talent but also underscores her determination to succeed despite the obstacles thrown in her path. Her story has resonated with many, proving that courage and resilience can triumph over adversity.
ZIMEYE