Chidimma Adetshina, currently representing Nigeria at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico, faces potential disqualification as a new petition led by South Africans calls for her removal from the competition. The Progressive Forces of South Africa, through activist Lebogang Shovhote, launched the petition on Change.org, demanding that Miss Universe organizers reconsider Adetshina’s eligibility.
The petition, titled “Chidimma Adetshina Should Not Participate in Miss Universe,” claims to represent voices committed to fairness and justice, citing concerns over allegations of identity fraud tied to Adetshina and her family. “We are writing this letter on behalf of everyone who stands for justice to plead with you, Miss Universe, as an organization, to reconsider the contestant, Miss Nigeria Universe,” wrote Shovhote.
The move comes just after South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs announced it would revoke the South African identity documents held by Adetshina and her mother. Officials stated that they had found insufficient proof supporting the validity of these documents, which has ignited significant public and social media backlash.
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Born in Soweto’s Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother, Adetshina later withdrew from South Africa’s national pageant to compete for Nigeria, a decision that some South Africans argue is overshadowed by alleged legal issues involving her mother. Anabela Rungo, Adetshina’s mother, reportedly faces accusations of identity fraud, with activists like Kwena Molekwa working to bring these allegations to light. Molekwa’s team claims they have discovered connections to a range of illegal activities and believes that Rungo misused the identity of a South African child.
The petition emphasizes how granting Adetshina the Miss Universe Nigeria title allowed her to evade these allegations, aided by a diplomatic passport issued by Nigeria. Petitioners argue that this has damaged Nigeria’s image and, if allowed to proceed, would compromise the values of the Miss Universe pageant. “Miss Universe is a known class, integrity, and fair competition brand,” the statement reads, stressing that such a platform should not be used by individuals linked to criminal conduct.
As of this report, the petition has gained over 950 signatures, with a target of 1,000. Shovhote and other petitioners believe allowing Adetshina to continue in the pageant would mar Miss Universe’s reputation, describing the situation as a threat not only to the pageant’s values but to Africa’s collective image on the global stage.
For now, the Miss Universe organization has yet to respond to the petition or the accusations surrounding Adetshina’s eligibility.
