Former Miss Universe Nigeria and Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, Chidimma Adetshina, has continued her legal battle against deportation from South Africa after the Cape Town Regional Court reserved judgment and adjourned proceedings until August 19, 2026.
The case is the latest development in a protracted immigration dispute that has drawn international attention since Adetshina’s controversial exit from the 2024 Miss South Africa pageant before she went on to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe competition. Blueprint reports
Government seeks detention pending deportation
At the hearing, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs asked the court to grant an order allowing authorities to keep Adetshina in detention while arrangements are made for her deportation.
The department argued that the beauty queen is residing in South Africa without valid immigration status, contrary to the country’s Immigration Act.
Government lawyers also alleged that Adetshina returned to South Africa despite having previously been declared a “prohibited person,” maintaining that her continued presence in the country is unlawful.
The authorities therefore urged the court to approve her detention pending the conclusion of the deportation process.
Defence opposes application
Adetshina’s legal team opposed the government’s request, insisting there is no legal basis to detain their client.
Her lawyer told the court that the former beauty queen has taken steps to regularise her immigration status and should be allowed to remain free while the legal process continues.
The defence further argued that Adetshina is a well-known public figure with strong ties to the community and is therefore not a flight risk.
As part of efforts to demonstrate her willingness to cooperate with the authorities, her legal team offered to surrender her South African passport pending the final determination of the case.
Court reserves judgment
After listening to arguments from both parties, the Cape Town Regional Court reserved its ruling on the application and adjourned the matter until August 19, 2026.
The decision means Adetshina will have to wait several more weeks before learning whether the court will permit the South African authorities to detain and deport her or allow her to remain in the country while her legal challenge continues.
The outcome of the case is expected to have significant implications for her immigration status and future in South Africa.
Controversy dates back to 2024
The legal dispute traces its roots to the controversy surrounding Adetshina’s participation in the Miss South Africa 2024pageant.
Her eligibility to compete became the subject of intense public debate after questions were raised about her nationality and citizenship.
The controversy generated widespread discussions across South Africa, prompting Adetshina to withdraw from the competition before the grand finale.
Shortly afterwards, she accepted an invitation to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant, where she emerged winner and earned the right to represent Nigeria on the global stage.
Historic achievement for Nigeria
Adetshina went on to deliver one of Nigeria’s best performances at the Miss Universe competition.
She finished as first runner-up and was crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, becoming the highest-placed Nigerian contestant in the history of the Miss Universe pageant.
Her success was widely celebrated in Nigeria and across Africa, with many praising her resilience in overcoming the controversy that surrounded her earlier participation in South Africa.
The achievement also elevated her profile internationally, making the ongoing immigration case one of the most closely watched legal disputes involving a public figure in South Africa.
Case attracts widespread attention
The deportation proceedings have continued to generate reactions from supporters and observers in both Nigeria and South Africa, with many closely following developments in the case.
While South African immigration authorities insist they are enforcing the country’s laws, Adetshina’s legal team maintains that she has acted within the law and deserves the opportunity to regularise her immigration status through the appropriate legal channels.
With the court expected to deliver its ruling on August 19, attention will remain focused on whether the former beauty queen will be allowed to remain in South Africa or face deportation as sought by the country’s Department of Home Affairs.
