Beauty queen at center of South Africa xenophobia spat crowned Miss Universe Nigeria

Adetshina, a 23-year-old beauty queen who has faced significant backlash in South Africa over questions about her nationality, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria. Her victory, which took place in Lagos on Saturday night, marks a significant milestone in her pageant career. She will go on to represent Nigeria in the Miss Universe competition set to be held in Mexico this November.

Last month, Adetshina withdrew from the Miss South Africa contest following a wave of xenophobic attacks online. These attacks stemmed from concerns over her eligibility, as it was revealed that she was born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother with Mozambican heritage. The controversy raised questions about her right to compete in the South African pageant.

In response to the backlash, Adetshina accepted an invitation to join the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant. Organizers emphasized that her participation was a chance to showcase her father’s heritage on a global stage. They also highlighted that Adetshina’s journey in pageantry was far from over, indicating a promising future for her in the field.

Following her recent win, Adetshina took to Instagram to express her gratitude and share her vision for the future. She described the crown as “not just a symbol of beauty” but as “a call to action” for African unity. Her message was one of hope and inclusivity, urging for the dismantling of barriers that divide the continent.

“Accepting this honor, I am driven by a vision of African unity and peaceful coexistence,” Adetshina wrote. “Let’s break down the barriers that separate us. Let’s build a continent where every African can move freely, pursue their dreams, and contribute to our shared prosperity.”

Meanwhile, South African authorities are investigating Adetshina’s citizenship status. The Department of Home Affairs, responsible for overseeing immigration, has stated that there may have been identity fraud involved in obtaining South African citizenship for Adetshina’s mother in 2001. However, the department has clarified that Adetshina herself was not involved in any wrongdoing, as she was only an infant at the time.

Adetshina’s journey underscores the complex intersection of identity, nationality, and cultural pride in the world of international pageantry. Her resilience and newfound role as Miss Universe Nigeria highlight the importance of embracing diverse backgrounds and fostering unity across the continent.