Chidimma Adetshina, the former Miss Universe Nigeria, remains at the centre of a citizenship dispute as anti-migrant protesters gathered outside a Cape Town court on Wednesday and called for her return to Nigeria after the court postponed her deportation case until next year.
Adetshina faces fresh deportation proceedings over allegations that she lives in South Africa unlawfully.
Authorities arrested Adetshina in June over allegations that she illegally re-entered South Africa. Police detained her in Cape Town’s Summer Greens neighbourhood before taking her to court to face charges. 
In July, Adetshina said she felt “exhausted, burnt out, and depressed”, but she vowed to continue fighting the case.
Adetshina’s Miss South Africa controversy
Adetshina became embroiled in a citizenship controversy after she entered the Miss South Africa 2024 contest.
She later withdrew from the competition after she raised concerns about the safety of herself and her family. She eventually left South Africa.
Silverbird Group, the organisers of Miss Universe Nigeria, later invited Adetshina to compete in the Nigerian pageant, which she won.
READ ALSO: A Timeline of Chidimma Adetshina’s Deportation Battle with South African Home Affairs
Anti-migrant protesters demand Adetshina’s departure
Protesters gathered outside the courtroom and held placards as they demanded Adetshina’s departure from South Africa.
The protesters chanted, “South Africa only belongs to South Africa”, as they marched outside the court.
Some placards reads, “Ubuntu in South Africa has been suspended until further notice – while we are busy fixing our country.”
Ubuntu refers to a pan-African sociolinguistic concept that emphasises shared humanity and interconnectedness.
Other banners carried messages such as: “It’s time to go” and “South Africa is not a refugee site for African countries.”
Adetshina accuses protesters of xenophobia
Adetshina told journalists that xenophobic attacks had targeted her despite her cooperation with the authorities. She also said false information had circulated about her citizenship.
“I believe that I have been treated unfairly and targeted. And there has been an attempt to make me an example. But my message is not one of anger. South Africa is governed by law. And we should not allow xenophobia and misinformation to determine how people are going to be treated,” she said.
“Throughout this ordeal, I have availed myself of all appropriate legal reports. And I will continue to respect and abide by each process.”
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