Former Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, has suffered another setback in her ongoing citizenship controversy as a South African court adjourned her deportation case, while anti-migrant protesters gathered outside the courtroom demanding that she leave the country.
Adetshina, who has been at the centre of a citizenship dispute since her participation in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant, appeared before the Cape Town Regional Court on Wednesday as the legal battle over her residency status continued.
The case was adjourned until next year, prolonging uncertainty over her status in South Africa.
The hearing attracted protesters from Operation Dudula, an anti-migrant movement, who gathered outside the court carrying placards and chanting against her continued stay in the country.
The protesters accused Adetshina of being an illegal resident and demanded that she return to Nigeria.
‘It’s time to go’ — South African protesters intensify campaign against Chidimma Adetshina
Some of the placards displayed during the protest read: “South Africa only belongs to South Africa” and “South Africa is not a refugee site for African countries.”
Zodwa Booi, interim president of Operation Dudula, insisted that Adetshina must leave South Africa regardless of the outcome of the court proceedings.
According to her, the former beauty queen should leave the country and apply through the appropriate immigration process like other foreigners.
“Chidimma herself decided to come into the country illegally through the Mozambican border,” Booi alleged.
“We are saying no to illegal people in our country. Regardless of who you are, if you are illegal you need to leave this country. You will have to come back and apply like everybody else.”
Adetshina, however, has maintained that she is being unfairly targeted and accused some individuals of subjecting her to xenophobic attacks.
Speaking after the court proceedings, the 25-year-old said misinformation and hostility had influenced public perception of her citizenship situation.
“I believe that I have been treated unfairly and targeted. And there has been an attempt to make me an example,” she said.
She added that she remained committed to respecting the legal process and would continue to cooperate with authorities.
The controversy surrounding Adetshina began during her participation in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant, where questions about her nationality sparked public debate.
She later withdrew from the competition, citing safety concerns for herself and her family.
Following her exit from the pageant, Silverbird Group invited her to compete in Miss Universe Nigeria, where she emerged winner and represented Nigeria internationally.
However, her legal troubles resurfaced after she was arrested in June for allegedly re-entering South Africa unlawfully.
Adetshina was later arraigned in court over the matter.
The beauty queen, who was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother, has consistently maintained that her citizenship status has been misunderstood.
She has described the prolonged dispute as emotionally draining, saying she has been exhausted and affected by the controversy.
The court’s decision to adjourn the matter means the legal battle over her future in South Africa will continue into next year.
