Chidimma Adetshina has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria following a controversial attempt to compete in Miss South Africa last month. The beauty queen, whose father is Nigerian withdrew from the South African competition after a xenophobic backlash.

Born to a Nigerian father in South Africa, 23-year-old Chidimma Adetshina withdrew from the South African competition “for the safety and wellbeing of my family” following a backlash that revealed anti-foreigner sentiment in the country.

The controversy arose from her Nigerian heritage, with some South Africans, including a government minister, objecting to her participation.

Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sports, arts and culture, expressed his disapproval on X, stating: “We truly cannot have Nigerians compete in our Miss SA competition. I want to get all the facts before I comment, but it already feels off.”

In another post, he added: “South Africans shouldn’t be criticised simply for asking necessary questions about the lady who wants to represent them as Miss South Africa.”

The situation escalated when the Miss South Africa organisers requested the home affairs department to investigate Adetshina’s nationality. The investigation revealed that her mother might have committed fraud and identity theft. However, it was noted that Adetshina could not have been involved in these alleged actions, as she was an infant at the time.

“This journey has been a tough one for me… I am so proud of myself and really grateful for the love and support,” Adetshina told AFP moments after being crowned in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital. “This is something I’ve always wanted, and I’m really glad to have a second chance at achieving it.”

Her Nigerian heritage provoked severe xenophobic attacks and controversy when she was announced as a Miss South Africa finalist in July. The government also stated it was investigating claims that her mother might have stolen the identity of a South African woman.

Despite not having been in Nigeria for 20 years, the organisers of the Nigerian contest invited her to join their final, offering her the opportunity to “represent your father’s native land on an international stage.”

“We all need to stop with the xenophobia… with the tribalism,” first runner-up Paula Ezendu said. “We’re all one family. We’re all human beings.”

Adetshina affirmed her love for South Africa despite the nationality controversy and expressed gratitude for the support she received from the country.

She will represent Nigeria at the international Miss Universe competition in November. “I know we are going to win,” she told reporters.