Chidimma Adetshina has been trending on X since her victory at the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 competition on Saturday, August 31. However, it’s not just her win that has sparked conversation; social media users have also spotted what appears to be her crown being sold on the online marketplace Temu, sparking both amusement and outrage.
**Miss Universe Nigeria Crown Sparks Online Buzz**
Chidimma Adetshina, the 23-year-old beauty queen who represented Taraba state, was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria after competing against 24 other contestants. She now has the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico this November. However, her victory took a surprising turn when a social media user, @destinyzee, posted that they had seen a similar crown on Temu, priced at only R76 (approximately ₦6,786 in Nigerian currency). This revelation quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from the public.https://twitter.com/Patricia_Bantom/status/1830181325669597365?s=19
**Social Media Reactions: Outrage and Humor**
As the news spread, X users were quick to comment on the discovery of the lookalike crown. Many found it amusing, while others were disappointed by the perceived lack of quality for such a prestigious event.
One user, @ThemthusaseGoC3, expressed their disbelief, saying, “The worst thing is the crown price is R76.00. Imagine Miss Universe with a crown that costs as much as an airtime recharge.” Another user, @HypeHoncho, echoed the sentiment, stating, “These ones are not serious at all shame. They even scam themselves. R79.00 for a crown?”
The criticism continued with @StHonorable who commented, “Yooooooh, they gave her the cheapest of them all.” Another user, @MadooraMopedi, joked about the situation, comparing it to the perceived extravagance of South African culture, “No South African re ya gafa straight. Ramaphosa please build another mental institution. No country is like ours.”https://twitter.com/HypeHoncho/status/1830200975744745611?s=19
**Mixed Opinions on the Crown’s Value**
Despite the lighthearted jokes, some were more critical of the situation, questioning the standards of the pageant and the value placed on such awards. @KGloria35440 remarked, “Everything was plastic including the trophies,” highlighting the broader concerns about the event’s authenticity and prestige.
Meanwhile, @gonca_tu defended the situation, stating, “First seeing this crown earlier, I thought my South African people are just mocking and too jealous. My people can do a quick digging to yield results and prove it, iyoh!” This reflects the mixed opinions among fans, some of whom are willing to defend the pageant’s choices while others feel let down by the revelation.
**A Platform for All Nigerian Women**
Ben Murray Bruce, a former Nigerian Senator and Chairman of the Silverbird Group, which organized the event, emphasized the importance of the pageant as a platform for Nigerian women. He stated, “No Nigerian woman anywhere on earth who wants the platform to be successful, to get a fighting chance, that woman, that Nigerian, will never be denied that opportunity.” His remarks highlight the broader mission of the competition beyond the controversy surrounding the crown.
Despite the criticism, Chidimma Adetshina’s win remains a significant achievement, and she will go on to represent Nigeria on the world stage. Whether the crown’s lookalike on Temu will overshadow her journey remains to be seen, but for now, the social media buzz has certainly added an unexpected twist to her reign as Miss Universe Nigeria.