Chidimma Adetshina, who was forced to quit from the Miss South Africa event due to nationality concerns, has been named Miss Universe Nigeria.
The 23-year-old law student celebrated her victory on Saturday, saying the title is a call to unity. Adetshina, whose father is Nigerian and mother is Mozambican, faced questions over her eligibility for the Miss South Africa contest.
Despite being a South African citizen, her mixed heritage raised questions regarding her involvement.
An investigation by South Africa’s Home Affairs Department revealed probable identity concerns regarding her mother, but Adetshina was cleared of all charges.
Miss Universe Nigeria invited her when she withdrew from the Miss South Africa event due to personal safety concerns.
Adetshina will now represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe competition in November. Her victory has been welcomed with a mixture of praise and criticism.
Supporters on social media praised her as an inspirational figure, while some claimed that the competition was unfairly rigged in her favor.
Miss Universe Nigeria organizers have yet to respond to these charges.
Adetshina’s main competition in Miss Universe will be this year’s Miss South Africa, Mia le Roux, who made history as the first deaf winner.
