Mexico City – A South African organization, Progressive Forces, has launched a petition to bar Chidimma Adetshina, Miss Universe Nigeria, from competing in the Miss Universe 2024 pageant. Adetshina arrived in Mexico on Wednesday, where she is set to represent Nigeria in the global competition scheduled for November.
Adetshina’s journey has been mired in controversy, initially stemming from her participation in the Miss South Africa contest. The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa alleged that her mother was involved in identity fraud, leading to Adetshina’s withdrawal from the national pageant. Subsequently, she was invited to compete in Miss Universe Nigeria, where she emerged as the titleholder.
In light of these allegations, Progressive Forces submitted a petition to the Miss Universe organizers, urging them to disqualify Adetshina from the competition. The petition, which has gained over 1,000 signatures within a day, argues that her involvement could harm the integrity of the Miss Universe brand.
“We are greatly concerned about Chidimma Adetshina, Miss Universe Nigeria, whose mother has been found guilty of committing identity fraud,” reads part of the petition. “On the 29th of October, Home Affairs canceled Chidimma Adetshina and her mother’s identities by court order. We are writing on behalf of everyone who stands for justice to plead with Miss Universe to cancel her entry.”
As the situation unfolds, the Miss Universe organization has yet to respond to the petition or comment on Adetshina’s eligibility to compete in the upcoming pageant.
