Chidimma Adetshina, crowned Miss Universe Nigeria and a celebrated beauty queen, is at risk of losing her South African citizenship and travel documents due to an escalating nationality dispute. The controversy began when Adetshina, who has Nigerian and Mozambican heritage, became a finalist in the Miss South Africa pageant, sparking backlash over her eligibility.

Africa News reported that the South African Department of Home Affairs launched an investigation into Adetshina’s citizenship status, with allegations that her mother may have committed “identity theft” to secure South African nationality. This scrutiny led Adetshina to withdraw from the pageant in August. Following her exit, she accepted an invitation to compete in Miss Universe Nigeria, a decision that ignited online xenophobic criticism.

On Tuesday, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs informed a parliamentary committee that Adetshina and her mother would lose their documents, having missed a deadline to substantiate their citizenship claims. Tommy Makhode, a senior official, stated that the case, now under the purview of the Hawks crime unit, was identified as “a case of fraud.” Further action awaits prosecutorial decisions.

Despite the controversy, Adetshina maintains pride in both her Nigerian and South African identities, expressing resilience amid xenophobic backlash. Now in Mexico, she will represent Nigeria in the Miss Universe pageant on November 16, competing alongside Miss South Africa Mia le Roux.

The ongoing situation raises broader questions about identity, nationality, and xenophobia in South Africa, shedding light on complex issues surrounding dual citizenship in the region.