A South African group, Progressive Forces, has launched a petition to prevent Chidimma Adetshina from competing in Miss Universe 2024.
Recently, the newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria arrived in Mexico to compete in this year’s international pageant in November.
The model, who was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, stirred controversy during this year’s Miss South Africa contest because of her nationality.
This sparked a wave of criticism on social media, particularly among South Africans. Chidimma later withdrew from the contest.
Her withdrawal came after South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) said that preliminary data revealed her mother had committed fraud and identity theft.
South African authorities have announced measures to revoke Chidimma’s identification and travel documents.
Following the decision, the Progressive Forces of South Africa petitioned the Miss Universe organizers to bar Chidimma from competing.
“We are greatly concerned about Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, whose mother Anabela Rungo, has been found guilty of committing identity fraud. On the 29th of October, Home Affairs canceled the identities of Anabela Rungo and Chidimma Adetshina by court order.
“As Progressive Forces of South Africa, we are writing this letter on behalf of everyone who stands for justice to plead with Miss Universe to reconsider the contestant and if possible, to cancel her entry.”
The petition
The group contended that her participation in the event could jeopardize the Miss Universe brand’s legitimacy. “We would hate to see the pageant losing its good image due to a contestant whose mother has been found guilty of stealing the identity of an innocent citizen,” the petition added.
It also noted that her participation can bring Africa into disrepute.
“Not only did this contestant bring her own country into disrepute, but her participation in this iconic pageant would also bring Africa into disrepute. Throughout this, the contestant, her mother, the embassy of Nigeria, and the Nigerian government have been arrogant and have shown no remorse.”
The Petition
The petition, which was started on Wednesday, has since received more than 1,000 signatures.
Caroline Danjuma Supports Chidimma Following Petition
Nollywood actress, Caroline Danjuma showed her support for the Miss Universe, Chidimma Adetshina following petitions from South Africans to prevent her from competing in Miss Universe World.
Reacting to the petition, via her Instagram page, Caroline Danjuma showed support for her as she noted how there is so much hate and witch-hunting towards her because she wants to be a beauty Queen and live her dreams.
“So much hate and witch hunting towards this young lady all because she wants to be a beauty Queen and live her dreams .. never seen a group of people so intentional about bringing a young female innocent girl down.
“If her mum is found guilty, how is it her problem? The discrimination, the witch hunting, and the desire to bring her down no matter what. She left to represent Nigeria but it still won’t stop.”
Caroline Danjuma
Drumming support for her, Caroline stated that she adores and respects Chidimma and how she has carried herself through the trying times of her life.
“Here is my public vote and encouragement to you, Chidinma; I adore and respect you, and how you have carried yourself through these trying times of your life, I know as a young girl, all you want to do is to just live your princess dreams, and NO one has the right to stop you.”
Caroline Danjuma
Danjuma declared that Chidimma Adetshina has her vote now. “You have my vote now and always; to me, you are QUEEN NOW AND ALWAYS,” she added.
“The devil will do everything to dim your light; you are enveloped with the grace of God and you WON TAKE YOUR CROWN. @missuniverseng @missuniverse @missuniverseza ..let young girls be who they want to be, the sky is big enough for us all to shine.”
Carline Danjuma
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