A South African organization, Progressive Forces, has initiated a petition to disqualify Chidimma Adetshina from competing in the Miss Universe 2024 pageant. This move follows Adetshina’s arrival in Mexico on Wednesday, where she is set to represent Nigeria in the upcoming global competition scheduled for November.

Media Talk Africa reports that Adetshina, recently crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, has faced scrutiny in South Africa since her participation in the Miss South Africa pageant. The South African Department of Home Affairs revealed that preliminary evidence suggests Adetshina’s mother was involved in fraud and identity theft. As a result of these allegations, Chidimma withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant and accepted an invitation to represent Nigeria.

In response to the situation, Progressive Forces submitted a petition to the Miss Universe organizers on Wednesday, arguing that Adetshina’s participation could compromise the integrity of the Miss Universe brand. The petition gained significant traction, accumulating over 1,000 signatures within just 24 hours.

The group expressed their concerns in the petition, stating, “We are greatly concerned about Chidimma Adetshina, Miss Universe Nigeria, whose mother has been found guilty of committing identity fraud. On the 29th of October, Home Affairs cancelled Chidimma Adetshina and her mother’s identities by court order. We are writing on behalf of everyone who stands for justice to plead with Miss Universe to cancel her entry.”

As the Miss Universe competition approaches, the controversy surrounding Adetshina continues to unfold, drawing attention to issues of identity and representation within the pageantry world.