Chidimma Adetshina, the newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, is addressing the controversy surrounding her win head-on. According to TshisaLIVE, dismissing claims that her victory was due to “pity votes,” Adetshina is clear that she earned the crown through hard work and perseverance.
The beauty queen, who initially withdrew from the Miss South Africa competition amid a controversy regarding her citizenship, was invited to compete for the Miss Universe Nigeria title in August. Her decision to embrace her Nigerian roots has sparked debate, with some critics claiming her win was a result of sympathy following her exit from the South African pageant.
“A lot of people felt like it was a pity win and I don’t think it was. I feel like I really worked hard,” Adetshina said in an interview with Arise News. “Coming from the Miss SA journey, going through the whole experience… I really had the same experience that they did.”
Adetshina joined the competition later than most contestants, but her undeniable appeal earned her thousands of votes. However, her diverse background – born to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother in South Africa – has also fueled criticism.
“People would laugh when I said I was proudly Nigerian and proudly South African,” she explained. “Are we not supposed to appreciate and accept one another? Just because I have a diverse background doesn’t mean we are so different.”
Adetshina’s personal connection to her Nigerian heritage runs deep, despite growing up mostly in South Africa. She expressed excitement about fully embracing her roots and learning the Igbo language, which she has long aspired to do.
“I’m not saying this now because I’m Miss Universe Nigeria; I’ve always wanted to,” she shared. “Now, I’m even more in touch with my heritage.”
In response to allegations that she fled South Africa to avoid investigation by home affairs, Adetshina firmly denied the claims, calling them baseless.
“I was not running away. I was running towards my dream. It’s a legal matter, and I don’t have all the facts, but I can say I did not steal anyone’s identity.”
