By Lifestyle Correspondent
Johannesburg, South Africa – A South African pressure group, Progressive Forces, has launched a controversial petition calling for the disqualification of Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, from the upcoming international pageant.
The group alleges that Adetshina and her mother are facing identity theft charges in South Africa.
On Tuesday, the South African Department of Home Affairs announced the revocation of Adetshina and her mother’s South African identity and travel documents due to irregularities.
Despite this, Adetshina arrived in Mexico on Wednesday on a Nigerian passport to participate in the November pageant.
The petition, which garnered over 500 signatures within its first day, urges the Miss Universe Organization to reconsider Adetshina’s participation, arguing that it could tarnish the pageant’s reputation.
“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 as an organisation to reconsider the contestant Miss Nigeria Universe and, if possible, to cancel her entry,” the petition read.
“Miss Universe is a known brand of class, integrity and fair competition.
“Miss Universe is known for granting a good platform to women from all walks of life to make a positive contribution to society while being the golden key to unlocking endless possibilities,” read parts of the petition.
“We would hate to see the pageant losing its good image due to a contestant whose mother [allegedly stole] the identity of an innocent citizen.
“Not only did this contestant bring her own country into disrepute, but her participating in this iconic pageant would also bring Africa into disrepute,” further read parts of the petition.
This is not the first time Adetshina has faced opposition.
A similar petition was launched during her participation in the Miss South Africa pageant, ultimately leading to her withdrawal.
She subsequently entered and won the Miss Universe Nigeria title, representing her father’s homeland.
The Miss Universe Organisers are yet to comment on the matter.