Adetshina’s journey reached a pinnacle of success when she was crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, subsequently securing the runner-up position in the global Miss Universe competition held in Mexico. This achievement came on the heels of her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa competition in August, a decision precipitated by mounting pressure and allegations surrounding her nationality.
The core of the controversy centers on questions raised about her identity documents. South African government officials have alleged issues with her and her mother’s documentation, leading to the cancellation of their identity papers. Despite these challenges, Adetshina has maintained a dignified stance, expressing no bitterness towards South Africa, a country she still considers home.
Throughout her competitive journey, Adetshina faced significant obstacles. She endured relentless online abuse from individuals questioning her citizenship due to her Nigerian paternal lineage. Undeterred, she successfully competed in and won the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant in August, demonstrating her remarkable resilience and talent.
Her decision to relocate to Nigeria stems from the ongoing investigation and the complex legal challenges she faces. “I have already decided that I want to relocate to Nigeria,” Adetshina stated, indicating her proactive approach to resolving her current situation. She plans to work with legal counsel to address the identity documentation issues by the end of the year.
Born in Soweto and describing her mother as having South African and Mozambican roots, Adetshina’s background highlights the intricate nature of identity in a multicultural society. Her father’s Nigerian heritage has been a focal point of the controversy, yet she has consistently maintained her connection to South Africa.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Adetshina’s international pageant success speaks volumes about her character and capabilities. Finishing as first runner-up to Denmark’s Victoria Kjar Theilvig, she has transformed a potentially divisive situation into a platform for highlighting personal strength and dignity.
The ongoing investigation by South African authorities continues, with the Department of Home Affairs having raised significant questions about her eligibility to retain her identity documents. However, Adetshina remains hopeful and determined to find a resolution.
Her statement, “I don’t have any animosity towards South Africa,” reveals a remarkable emotional maturity. She acknowledges the painful complexity of her situation while maintaining a perspective that transcends immediate challenges.
As Adetshina moves forward, her story becomes more than a personal narrative—it represents a broader conversation about identity, nationality, and the challenges faced by individuals with multicultural backgrounds. Her grace under pressure and remarkable achievements in the beauty pageant world continue to inspire many.