Chidinma Adetshina files affidavit as South Africa deportation case resumes

The deportation case against former Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, Chidinma Adetshina, is proceeding in a South African court, where she appeared on Thursday. Ms. Adetshina faces potential deportation after being arrested in June for allegedly residing in South Africa unlawfully.

During the court hearing, Ms. Adetshina submitted an affidavit outlining her efforts to regularize her immigration status. She is contesting the deportation proceedings, seeking to remain in the country. Immigration officials had previously tracked her location, with an officer stating that she and her young son had been living in South Africa without valid documentation.

This legal battle comes nearly two years after Ms. Adetshina's Nigerian heritage ignited significant public scrutiny and backlash when she entered the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant. Despite being born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, her progression in the competition led to intense criticism.

She later went on to win the Miss Universe Nigeria title and represented Nigeria at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant. The Department of Home Affairs, however, has pressed ahead with deportation proceedings, following a decision by the Minister of Home Affairs to dismiss Ms. Adetshina's application for a review of the department's refusal to grant her and her son a letter of good cause.