Chidimma Adetshina, representing Nigeria, secured the position of Miss Universe runner-up in a year marked by controversy surrounding her identity. The event, held in Mexico City on Sunday, crowned Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjær Theilvig, as Miss Universe 2024. Mexico’s María Fernanda Beltrán Figueroa earned the second runner-up title.
Adetshina’s path to the Miss Universe stage was fraught with challenges. Born and raised in South Africa to a Mozambican mother and a Nigerian father, her participation in the 2024 Miss South Africa pageant was abruptly cut short. In August, just days before the competition finale, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs accused her parents of identity fraud, alleging that they had falsely claimed South African citizenship for her at birth.
The allegations prompted Adetshina to withdraw from the pageant and leave South Africa. With support from the Nigerian embassy, she was granted a diplomatic passport and entered the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, which she won later that month. Her victory in Nigeria secured her a place in the global competition, culminating in her runner-up finish.
The controversy surrounding Adetshina did not end with her departure. Several South African organizations, including Progressive Forces for South Africa, campaigned for her exclusion from the Miss Universe competition. They argued that her participation under the Nigerian banner disregarded unresolved questions about her nationality.
In late October, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs announced it had initiated the process to revoke Adetshina’s South African identity and travel documents. The department cited its ongoing investigation into the alleged fraudulent citizenship claim as the basis for the action.
Amid the attention surrounding Adetshina, another unexpected development emerged. Mia Le Roux, the reigning Miss South Africa, withdrew from the Miss Universe competition just two days before the pageant due to health reasons.
“I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to focus on my health and recovery so that I may continue to serve my country with full strength,” Le Roux stated in her announcement.
