South African Group Petitions For Chidimma Adetshina’s Removal FromInternational Miss Universe Pageant Over Identity Fraud Allegations

A group called Progressive Forces in South Africa has launched a petition against MissUniverse Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina, with the aim of disqualifying her from the upcomingMiss Universe international pageant.Chidimma and her Mozambique-born mother face potential criminal charges related toalleged identity theft, prompting the group to question her legitimacy as a contestant.On South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs on Tuesday announced its intention to revokethe South African identity and travel documents of Adetshina and her mother, citing a lack ofsufficient evidence to support the legitimacy of their papers.Adetshina, however, quickly circumvented this obstacle, travelling to Mexico with a Nigerianpassport the following day to represent Nigeria at the November competition.Forces Progressives, deeply concerned about Adetshina’s participation, launched a petition onWednesday that quickly gained momentum, collecting more than 500 signatures in the spaceof 24 hours. In a call open to the Miss Universe organisation, they asked it to reconsiderAdetshina’s eligibility, expressing concern about the potential impact on the pageant’sreputation.“As Progressive Forces of South Africa, we are writing this letter on behalf of everyone whostands for justice to plead with you Miss Universe as an organisation to reconsider thecontestant Miss Nigeria Universe and, if possible, to cancel her entry,” the petition stated.Adetshina is no stranger to controversy, having faced similar backlash when she took part inthe Miss South Africa pageant. The public’s opposition and petitions eventually led her towithdraw from the Miss South Africa pageant. However, undeterred, she sought another routeby representing her father’s home country, Nigeria, where she eventually won the title of MissUniverse Nigeria.As the Miss Universe pageant approaches, it remains to be seen how the organisation willrespond to the Progressive Forces’ request. In any case, Adetshina’s journey on theinternational stage has been marked by both her resilience and the complex challengessurrounding her candidacy.