Chidimma Adetshina Fights Deportation Order In South Africa

According to Ireporter Online, former Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, Chidimma Adetshina, has appeared before the Cape Town Regional Court to challenge moves by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs to deport her from the country.

The legal action followed an application filed by her lawyers seeking to contest the validity of the deportation process and prevent her removal while issues surrounding her immigration status are being determined.

The development is the latest phase of a prolonged immigration dispute involving the Nigerian beauty queen, who previously emerged as a finalist in the Miss South Africa 2024 competition before withdrawing from the contest amid controversy over her citizenship background.

Reports indicate that Adetshina was arrested in June after South African authorities allegedly questioned the legality of her stay in the country. She was later brought before the court as proceedings over her immigration status continued.

Her legal team is expected to present an affidavit outlining efforts she has made to regularise her residency and provide grounds for why she should not be deported.

The lawyers are asking the court to halt any removal action by the Department of Home Affairs until the legal issues surrounding her case are fully resolved.

The dispute dates back to her participation in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant, where her eligibility became a subject of public debate.

Adetshina was born in Soweto, South Africa, to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother. She qualified to participate in the competition but later withdrew following intense controversy surrounding questions about her family’s citizenship status.

In August 2024, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs announced that it was investigating allegations involving her mother’s identity documents, claiming there were concerns over possible identity-related issues.

The controversy generated widespread reactions, with some South Africans questioning Adetshina’s eligibility and identity due to her Nigerian heritage despite her South African birth.

Following her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa contest, Adetshina accepted an invitation to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant, where she emerged winner.

She later represented Nigeria at the Miss Universe 2024 international competition, where she achieved a historic result by finishing as the first runner-up and winning the Miss Universe Africa and Oceania title.

Her performance earned her international recognition and significant support across Nigeria and other African countries.

The ongoing court case in Cape Town now represents a crucial moment in Adetshina’s immigration battle, with the final decision expected to determine whether she will remain in South Africa or face deportation.