Former Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 winner, Chidimma Adetshina, has appeared before the Cape Town Regional Court to challenge her deportation from South Africa, following her arrest over allegations that she is living in the country illegally.
Adetshina, who was arrested on June 6, is expected to file an affidavit detailing the steps she has taken to regularise her immigration status as part of the ongoing legal proceedings.
The case is the latest twist in an immigration controversy that has trailed the beauty queen since 2024, when her nationality became a major talking point during the Miss South Africa pageant.
Born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, Adetshina was among the finalists in the Miss South Africa competition before withdrawing after widespread public scrutiny over her family’s citizenship status.
Following the controversy, South African authorities launched an investigation into allegations surrounding her mother’s identity and citizenship documentation.
The debate also sparked intense reactions on social media, with many users questioning Adetshina’s eligibility and targeting her Nigerian heritage, despite the fact that she was born in South Africa and had met the pageant’s eligibility requirements at the time.
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After withdrawing from the Miss South Africa contest, Adetshina went on to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, where she emerged as the winner.
She later represented Nigeria at the Miss Universe competition, earning international recognition and finishing as the first runner-up.
Her legal battle against deportation is expected to continue as the court considers her application and the affidavit outlining efforts to resolve her immigration status.
