Despite fervently claiming that she is NOT a citizen of Nigeria, former Miss SA contestant – and now Miss Universe Nigeria finalist Chidimma Adetshina – is celebrating her “return” to her father’s country of birth, Nigeria.
The 23-year-old has landed in the African country ahead of the finale, which takes place next weekend.
According to reports, Chidimma – whose Mozambican mother is accused of committing fraud and identity theft – is a favourite to win the pageant.
CHIDIMMA ARRIVES IN ‘FATHER’S HOMELAND’
On Wednesday, 21 August, Chidimma Adetshina arrived in Nigeria ahead of the Miss Universe Nigeria finale next weekend.
The Soweto-born beauty is representing the state of Taraba, and was recently named the 25th finalist in the competition.
Chidimma accepted the pageant’s invitation to participate just days after she announced that she was stepping down from the Miss SA pageant, amid a criminal investigation by the Department of Home Affairs into both her parents. They are accused of fraudulently registering her birth as a South African in 2001.
Speaking to media in Nigeria, Chidimma said of her new pageant goals: “I’m really excited that I am in my father’s land and I want to experience more about it. It’s been 20 years since I’ve been here. I want to know about the culture and where I come from”.
She continued: “My goal is to win the crown for Miss Universe Nigeria. I want to share with everyone my story as a woman who has been through adversity to bring people together. I see value in diversity and celebrate our differences”.
In another clip, Chidimma is seen being received by a delegate of the pageant, including owner Guy Murray-Bruce, who has fervently defended her in media interviews.
According to unverified reports, her father is a businessman named Michael Adetshina from Nigeria.
Murray-Bruce claimed in a recent interview that Chidimma’s father hails from the Enugu state in the country. He also claims that she has family in Lagos and that she visited the country as a young child.
‘NOT A CITIZEN OF NIGERIA’
Chidimma Adetshina’s participation in Miss Universe Nigeria comes as a surprise to many South Africans, considering her emphasis that she had only known her birth country.
Before turning off her comments, the law student was questioned by a follower about why she had chosen not to represent Nigeria.
She responded at the time: “How? If I was born in SA, and lived here my whole life. Just because my father is Nigerian, doesn’t mean I’m a citizen of Nigeria”.