Chidimma Adetshina, a South African-born beauty queen who faced controversy over her nationality in the Miss South Africa contest, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria.
The 23-year-old law student was overwhelmed with emotion as she received the title on Saturday, stating that the crown represents unity.
Adetshina was invited to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria after her elimination from Miss South Africa sparked significant criticism.
Some South Africans questioned her eligibility due to her Nigerian father and Mozambican mother.
Despite being born and raised in South Africa, Adetshina faced accusations of identity theft against her mother, leading to her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa contest.
The ordeal attracted international attention, prompting the organizers of Miss Universe Nigeria to extend an invitation.
They saw Adetshina as an opportunity for her to represent her father’s native land on the global stage.
Adetshina will now represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe competition in November, where she will compete against Mia le Roux, the current Miss South Africa.
Le Roux made history as the first deaf woman to win the title.
