A South African group, Progressive Forces has initiated a petition against Chidimma Adetshina’s participation in the Miss Universe 2024 pageant.
This action follows Adetshina’s arrival in Mexico on Wednesday to represent Nigeria at the global competition scheduled for November.
Adetshina, crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, faced backlash in South Africa during her Miss South Africa contest announcement.
The South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) revealed that preliminary evidence indicated Chidimma’s mother had committed fraud and identity theft.
Following these allegations, Chidimma withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant and accepted an invitation to compete in Miss Universe Nigeria.
In light of these developments, Progressive Forces filed a petition with the Miss Universe organizers, urging them to prevent Chidimma from competing, arguing that her participation could compromise the integrity of the Miss Universe brand. The petition has already garnered over 1,000 signatures within 24 hours.
The group expressed their concerns, stating, “We are greatly concerned about Chidimma Adetshina, Miss Universe Nigeria, whose mother has been found guilty of committing identity fraud.”
They noted that “on the 29th of October, Home Affairs cancelled Chidimma Adetshina and her mother’s identities by court order.” The petition calls on the Miss Universe organizers to take a stand for justice by canceling her entry into the competition.
The controversy surrounding Chidimma Adetshina has generated significant debate in South Africa, highlighting issues of ethics and integrity in beauty pageants.
