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November 24, (THEWILL) – Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, born in Soweto to a Nigerian father of Igbo descent, according to open sources (Not sure about her dad being Igbo because her last name points to Yoruba) and a Mozambican mother, has become a name that resonates with both admiration and controversy. Her story is a complex mix of aspiration, challenges and public debate, capturing attention across multiple platforms.
She spent her early years in Cape Town, South Africa where she cultivated her ambitions and currently, she is pursuing studies in Law. Her emergence in the public eye has not been without scrutiny, drawing both support and criticism.
Adetshina entered the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant, a platform celebrated for recognising beauty and talent while offering participants the chance to make a significant impact. However, her participation was marred by issues concerning her background. South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs launched an investigation into her mother’s citizenship, an inquiry that cast a shadow over her involvement in the competition.
The investigation revealed alleged discrepancies in her mother’s acquisition of South African citizenship in 2001, raising concerns that ultimately led Adetshina to withdraw from the contest. She cited concerns for her personal safety amidst the rising tension, which turned her withdrawal into a focal point of public debate.
While the Miss South Africa organisation maintained that Adetshina met all the requirements to participate, public discourse centred on her dual citizenship and the perceived implications for her eligibility. Her Nigerian roots and Mozambican connection became subjects of intense examination, with many questioning how they influenced her place in the competition. The broader controversy of her citizenship quickly gained political undertones.
The Economic Freedom Fighters, a far-left South African political party, stood in defence of Adetshina, framing the backlash as indicative of a deeper xenophobic sentiment within the country. They argued that her situation symbolised South Africa’s rich diversity and urged for greater inclusivity. However, other political groups, including the African National Congress and the Patriotic Alliance, leaned towards more stringent measures, advocating a thorough probe into her nationality.
Leon Schreiber, the Minister of Home Affairs, supported the investigation’s continuation, reinforcing its necessity in determining the legalities surrounding Adetshina’s and her mother’s citizenship.
Amidst this polarised environment, a video emerged online showing Adetshina celebrating her progress in the competition with Nigerian relatives. While some lauded the clip for its authenticity and relatability, others saw it as a distraction from the ongoing investigation. The footage further fuelled debates, with critics arguing that it underscored the complexities of her eligibility.
In October 2024, the situation took a definitive turn when the Department of Home Affairs revoked Adetshina’s South African identity documents. This decision followed the findings of the investigation into her mother’s origins, confirming allegations of identity fraud. For Adetshina, this marked a significant moment, forcing her to reevaluate her position in South Africa. Public sentiment remained divided; while some empathised with her predicament, others viewed the revocation as a necessary step to uphold the country’s laws.
The fallout extended beyond Adetshina’s personal circumstances. The Puebla International Festival in Mexico, where South Africa was a featured participant, withdrew its invitation to South African panellists and guests. Organisers of the festival cited the treatment of Adetshina as a key reason for this decision, asserting that it undermined the principles of justice, equality and human dignity. This symbolic exclusion from an international stage pointed to the broader repercussions of the controversy, affecting not only Adetshina but also South Africa’s cultural representation abroad.
Amid this turbulence, Adetshina redirected her focus to Nigeria, where she quickly established herself in the pageantry world. On August 31, 2024, she represented Taraba State in the Miss Universe Nigeria competition, held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos. Competing against 24 other contestants, she emerged victorious in an event that was broadcast widely, drawing significant attention. Her win qualified her to represent Nigeria at Miss Universe 2024, scheduled to take place in Mexico City.
Her participation in Miss Universe became a defining chapter in her career. Competing against representatives from 126 countries, Adetshina achieved first runner-up status, marking the highest placement ever for Nigeria in the prestigious contest. Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig won the title, while Mexico’s María Fernanda Beltrán finished as second runner-up.
Adetshina’s success on this global stage elevated her profile significantly, earning her widespread recognition. Additionally, she was crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, reflecting her standing as the highest-ranking African contestant of the year.
Adetshina’s achievements on the international platform were celebrated not only for their rarity but also for the resilience they symbolised in the face of prior adversity. Her success became a rallying point for many who admired her ability to rise above the controversies that had previously surrounded her. While her journey was undoubtedly shaped by the challenges she encountered in South Africa, it was her determination and focus that enabled her to seize the opportunities that came her way in Nigeria and beyond.
As her story unfolded, Adetshina expressed her intention to settle in Nigeria permanently, a decision likely influenced by her experiences in South Africa. For Adetshina, the move represented more than a change of residence; it signified a conscious choice to align herself with a place that recognised her value and potential without reservation.
Through her successes and setbacks, Adetshina has emerged as a figure of significance, her story resonating across countries and communities.
In Nigeria, her influence is likely to extend beyond pageantry. With her legal education and growing platform, she has the potential to champion causes that matter deeply to her. Whether through advocacy, public speaking or further involvement in international events, Adetshina’s trajectory holds promise for continued impact beyond pageants.
Her accomplishments on the global stage also signal a turning point for Nigeria in international pageantry. By achieving first runner-up at Miss Universe, Adetshina not only set a new benchmark but also inspired a new generation of Nigerians to aim for similar heights. Her story serves as a reminder that success often comes from perseverance and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
As the spotlight on Adetshina continues, her legacy will be shaped by how she chooses to use her platform and the lessons she has learned along the way. Her journey so far has demonstrated that challenges, no matter how daunting, can be opportunities for growth and transformation. Through it all, Adetshina remains a compelling figure, her story offering insights into the intersections of identity, ambition, and the pursuit of excellence.
