A South African group, Progressive Forces, has launched a petition to bar Chidimma Adetshina from competing in Miss Universe 2024.
This follows Adetshina’s arrival in Mexico on Wednesday as the newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, where she will represent the country at the upcoming global competition in November. She previously faced criticism in South Africa during her participation in the Miss South Africa contest.
In response to the controversy, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) stated that preliminary evidence points to alleged fraud and identity theft by Adetshina’s mother. Consequently, Chidimma withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant and later joined the Miss Universe Nigeria competition.
On Wednesday, Progressive Forces of South Africa petitioned Miss Universe organisers, urging them to prevent Chidimma from participating, claiming her involvement could impact the brand’s integrity. The petition has gathered over 1,000 signatures within 24 hours.
“We are greatly concerned about Chidimma Adetshina, Miss Universe Nigeria, whose mother has been found guilty of committing identity fraud. On the 29th of October, Home Affairs cancelled 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,” the group stated in the petition.
