A South African group known as the Progressive Forces has submitted a letter to the Miss Universe organisation, requesting the disqualification of Chidimma Adetshina from the competition in Mexico.

The 23-year-old had previously been a contestant for Miss South Africa but withdrew after a petition was launched to disqualify her due to her mother’s identity fraud.

On Tuesday, the Department of Home Affairs announced the cancellation of both Adetshina and her mother’s South African identity and travel documents.

Following this, the group initiated their petition on Wednesday, coinciding with Adetshina’s arrival in Mexico for the prestigious event.

“As Progressive Forces of South Africa, we are writing this letter on behalf of everyone who stands for justice to plead with you Miss Universe as an organisation to reconsider the contestant Miss Nigeria Universe and, if possible, to cancel her entry,” the petition stated.

The letter, written by the Progressive Forces of South Africa on behalf of citizens advocating for justice, urges the Miss Universe organisation to disqualify Adetshina from the pageant.

The activists argue that permitting her participation would undermine the pageant’s reputation for integrity and fair competition.

They assert that Adetshina’s involvement damages the prestigious Miss Universe brand, which has long aimed to promote positive role models for women globally.

“We would hate to see the pageant losing its good image due to a contestant whose mother has been found guilty of stealing the identity of an innocent citizen,” the letter emphasised, noting that Adetshina’s participation not only brings Nigeria into disrepute but could also tarnish Africa’s image on an international scale.

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