Chidinma Adetshina has publicly addressed her ongoing deportation case in South Africa, stating that she believes she has been treated unfairly and targeted as an example. Speaking outside a courthouse after a hearing, the beauty queen called for the country's judicial principles to guide her case rather than public sentiment or misinformation.
Adetshina Claims Unfair Treatment and Calls for Ubuntu
Adetshina, who did not direct her frustration at any specific individual or institution, said she has been singled out throughout the legal process. "I believe that I have been treated unfairly and targeted, and there has been an attempt to make me as an example," she said. "But my message is not going to be one out of anger."
She urged South Africans to uphold the spirit of Ubuntu, the African philosophical principle centred on shared humanity, and resist what she described as xenophobia driving the narrative around her situation. Adetshina stated she has fully cooperated with every legal process and intends to continue doing so. "South Africa is governed by the rule of law, and we should not allow xenophobia and misinformation to determine how people are going to be treated," she added. She closed her remarks by thanking her family, legal team, and supporters.
South Africans Push Back Against Adetshina's Statement
The video of Adetshina's statement drew heavy engagement online, with many viewers pushing back against her comments. Reactions were largely unsympathetic from South African users. @omfundodakile wrote: "We haven't forgotten that the identity was stolen and a South African child was deprived of all her rights, yet the person who got (stole) all these rights is crying wolf."
@kabelo.darryl commented: "She was nearly beaten up after court, she must just go back home to where she was born." @rochelleoliphant said: "If she can do it, everyone will do it. She shouldn't get away with this." @ate_e_too reacted: "Ubuntu is not a law. We have laws and one says you are here illegally."
@refilwengakane wrote: "She's fighting very hard to be a South African!" @bellenoirefemme commented: "The audacity....you broke the law babes." @udosweet offered a different take: "My dear Chidima... Please comeback home to your father's land Nigeria ??"
@fortheloveoflindz questioned her framing: "But she put in a second review application that resulted in her matter being postponed, her lawyers are playing legal delay tactics. She hasn't won anything so why is she giving a misleading speech?"
Adetshina's Miss Universe Performance and Background
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Miss Universe beauty pageant might have come and gone, but the memories remained fresh in the minds of some netizens. Nigeria's representative at the competition, Chidimma Adetshina, proved her mettle and delivered as the first runner-up. During the competition, she rocked some dazzling outfits, which made her a cynosure of eyes and one of the most talked-about contestants.
