Nigerians in South Africa are calling for a thorough investigation into the parental background of Chidimma Adetshina, who recently withdrew from the Miss South Africa 2024 beauty pageant amid controversy.
Adetshina, 23, exited the competition on Thursday after facing criticism over her eligibility. The controversy arose from information on the pageant’s website, which stated she was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother. The organisers also noted she was a naturalised South African.
However, the South African Department of Home Affairs claimed on Wednesday that there might have been fraudulent activity involving Adetshina’s mother. The department’s statement suggested there were indications of fraud and identity theft connected to her mother’s records.
As a result, Adetshina withdrew from the pageant scheduled for Saturday at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria. She announced her decision on Instagram, citing the need to prioritize her family’s safety and well-being.
Mrs. Doris Ikeri-Solarin, President of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, described the situation as “unfortunate” and attributed it to “discrimination.” She emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and suggested waiting for its outcome before passing judgment. She also pointed out that the legal avenues for acquiring South African citizenship are diverse and should be reviewed.
Nigerian lawyer Austin Okeke from Johannesburg argued that Adetshina should not be held responsible for her parents’ alleged issues. He stated that the legitimacy of her mother’s citizenship should not affect Adetshina’s status and criticized the hostility she faced, which led to her withdrawal from the pageant.
Regarding her safety, Ikeri-Solarin expressed confidence that Adetshina was unlikely to face xenophobic attacks despite the global social media buzz surrounding her case. She urged that Adetshina’s talents be supported and guided for future opportunities.
