A South African organisation Progressive Forces has launched a petition to prevent Miss Universe Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina from competing in the upcoming international Miss Universe pageant in Mexico.
The petition follows allegations of identity theft involving Chidimma and her mother who is originally from Mozambique.
On Tuesday, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs announced plans to revoke the model and her mother’s South African identity and travel documents after they reportedly failed to provide proof of their legitimacy.
Despite these developments, Chidimma arrived in Mexico on a Nigerian passport to participate in the pageant which is scheduled for November.
The petition, initiated on Wednesday, received over 500 signatures within its first 24 hours.
“As Progressive Forces of South Africa, we are writing this letter on behalf of everyone who stands for justice to plead with you, Miss Universe Organization, to reconsider allowing Miss Nigeria Universe to participate, and if possible, to cancel her entry,” reads the petition
The petitioners argue that allowing Chidimma to participate could undermine the integrity of the Miss Universe brand.
“Miss Universe is a renowned brand associated with class, integrity, and fair competition, offering a valuable platform for women globally to make a positive impact on society,” they continued.
“We would hate to see this pageant’s image tarnished by a contestant whose mother allegedly committed identity theft. This issue not only affects her own country’s reputation but could also impact Africa’s image on a global stage.”
This is not the first time the 23-year-old has faced such opposition.
During her participation in the Miss South Africa pageant, a similar petition led to her withdrawal.
She later pursued the Miss Universe Nigeria title, representing her father’s home country, which she ultimately won.