Chidimma Adetshina has announced her intention to relocate to Nigeria following her recent success as the runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant, where she represented the West African nation.
The 23-year-old law student made headlines after withdrawing from the Miss South Africa competition in August due to safety concerns for herself and her family amid questions surrounding her nationality.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy arose after allegations surfaced that Adetshina’s mother had stolen the identity of a South African woman, a matter currently under investigation by South African police.
In light of these developments, Adetshina stated:
“I have already decided that I want to relocate to Nigeria.”
She expressed uncertainty about returning to South Africa and mentioned that she would be working with a lawyer to resolve the situation by the end of the year.
Family Considerations
When asked about her family and whether they would accompany her to Nigeria, Adetshina shared her eagerness to reunite with them.
She remarked:
“I haven’t seen my family yet. I’m really looking forward to that, and I guess when we do meet, we’ll be able to make this decision, because it is a hasty one.”
Throughout her journey in the Miss South Africa competition, Adetshina faced persistent scrutiny and abuse regarding her citizenship due to her Nigerian name and heritage.
New Opportunities in Nigeria
After withdrawing from Miss South Africa, Adetshina was invited to compete in Miss Universe Nigeria, where she ultimately emerged victorious.
Her recent success at the Miss Universe competition has opened new doors for her.
Recently, the Director-General of South Africa’s Home Affairs department informed parliament that Adetshina and her mother’s identity documents had been canceled due to insufficient reasons for their eligibility to retain them.
Despite these challenges, Adetshina remains positive about her experiences.
A Bittersweet Departure
Born in Soweto, Adetshina previously stated that her mother is South African with Mozambican roots.
Despite the controversies she faced, she expressed no animosity towards South Africa:
“At the end of the day, it is still a place that I call home, no matter how painful it is to say it.”
In the coming year, Adetshina will travel globally with the Miss Universe organization, aiming to foster connections between Nigeria and South Africa while representing her continent on an international stage.
Her journey reflects resilience and determination as she navigates this complex chapter of her life.
Source: Pindula