Chidimma Adetshina has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria after a contentious attempt to compete in Miss South Africa last month.
Adetshina, 23, was born to a Nigerian father but has South African citizenship.
However, when she ran for Miss South Africa, she found herself the subject of a national row when some South Africans, including a government minister, opposed her participation because of her roots.
South Africa’s minister of sports, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie posted on X saying: “We truly cannot have Nigerians compete in our Miss SA competition. I wanna get all facts before I comment but it gives funny vibes already.”
In a different post, he said: “South Africans shouldn’t be shamed and accused simply because they are asking needed questions of the lady that wants to represent them as Miss South Africa.”
The nation’s home affairs department became involved after Miss South Africa organisers asked them to investigate Adetshina’s nationality.
They discovered her mother “may have” committed “fraud and identity theft” but “Adetshina could not have participated in the alleged unlawful actions of her mother, as she was an infant at the time”.
The department also said it was looking into whether the allegations could impact Adetshina’s citizenship status.
A day later, Adetshina pulled out of the contest for the “safety and wellbeing” of herself and her family.
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Becoming Miss Universe Nigeria
But it wasn’t the end of the road for Adetshina’s dreams of representing a country.
The organisers of Miss Universe Nigeria had been “closely following” the controversy and invited her to participate in their contest, saying she could “represent her father’s native land on the international stage”.
“We believe you would be an outstanding contender,” said the invitation.
After winning the contest on Saturday, an elated Adetshina told the audience: “This crown is not just a crown of beauty, it is going to unite us as one.
“I am really proud and grateful that I am going to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe, and I know we are going to win,” she said.
She will now represent Nigeria at November’s Miss Universe competition in Mexico.