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Ondo election: Rowdiness, absence of security officers observed in major riverine area

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ROWDINESS and an absence of security officers were observed at Ugbonla, Ilaje Local Government Area on governorship election day in Ondo State as large crowds bombarded the major waterfront in the area to travel and cast their votes.

Large crowds flooded the community’s waterfront – a gateway to many villages like  Obe Nla, Obeji, Obearelewo, Obefela, Oberewoye, and Obeagun – as early as 5.30 am.

As seen by one of The ICIR reporter covering the election in the state, most of the crowds are those travelling by water to the villages to cast their votes.

The incumbent Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa, who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election is from one of the communities.

The ICIR reported that the election commenced in many parts of the state as scheduled.

Priority voting was given to the elderly, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women in most polling units observed.

Before the elections, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) instructed its officers to ensure the safety of the electorate, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, and electoral materials, given the political violence reported in Idanre Local Government Area (LGA) a few days before the poll.

The inspector-general of police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, assured the state residents of extensive security deployments and strict enforcement measures to ensure peace across the state before, during and after the election.

In a statement released on November 10, Egbetokun outlined the deployment of police personnel and specialised units to all 18 local government areas, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units in Ondo State.

In addition to officers on the ground, the IGP announced plans to deploy helicopters for aerial patrols and gunboats to monitor waterways, enhancing security coverage across all terrains.

He also warned political thugs and any individuals aiming to disrupt the process, vowing that “they will face the full force of the law.”

A total of 1,757,205 voters who collected permanent voter’s cards are expected to cast their ballots in the 3,933 polling units across the 203 wards in the state’s 18 LGAs.

According to INEC, 18 political parties are featuring candidates. However, The ICIR reported that three candidates withdrew from the race.

The Appeal Court also sacked the Labour Party candidate in the election, Olusola Ebiseni, on Thursday, November 14.


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The leading contenders in the poll are the incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the former Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

They are both from the southern senatorial region of the state.

The ICIR reports that Agboola was deputy to late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu between 2017 and 2021.

 

Poll: Accreditation, voting underway in Ondo

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THE off-cycle governorship election is underway in Ondo State today, Saturday, November 16, with voters turnout impressive.

In some polling units monitored by The ICIR, election officials and materials arrived early, and voters were accredited as early as 8:30 a.m.

Voting also began shortly afterwards in several locations following the accreditation of some voters.

Reports indicate that the exercise began in many parts of the state as scheduled.

The process has been relatively peaceful in most parts of the state.


Some presiding officers sensitised voters and party agents on how to conduct themselves before the commencement of voting.

Priority voting was given to the elderly, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women in most polling units observed.   

Before the elections, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) instructed its officers to ensure the safety of the electorate, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, and electoral materials, given the political violence reported in Idanre Local Government Area (LGA) a few days before the poll.

The inspector-general of police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, assured the state residents of extensive security deployments and strict enforcement measures to ensure peace across the state before, during and after the election.

In a statement released on November 10, Egbetokun outlined the deployment of police personnel and specialised units to all 18 local government areas, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units in Ondo State. 

In addition to officers on the ground, the IGP announced plans to deploy helicopters for aerial patrols and gunboats to monitor waterways, enhancing security coverage across all terrains.

He also warned political thugs and any individuals aiming to disrupt the process, vowing that “they will face the full force of the law.”

A total of 1,757,205 voters who collected permanent voter’s cards are expected to cast their ballots in the 3,933 polling units across the 203 wards in the state’s 18 LGAs.

According to INEC, 18 political parties are featuring candidates. However, The ICIR reported that three candidates withdrew from the race.

The Appeal Court also sacked the Labour Party candidate in the election, Olusola Ebiseni, on Thursday, November 14.

The leading contenders in the poll are the incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the former Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

They are both from the southern senatorial region of the state.

The ICIR reports that Agboola was deputy to late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu between 2017 and 2021.

Following an unresolved feud between him and Akeredolu, the late governor replaced him with Aiyedatiwa while recontesting for the governorship office in 2020.

Aiyedatiwa succeeded the late governor on December 27, 2023, after his principal passed on after a prolonged illness.

Fact-checks ahead of Saturday’s Ondo 2024 governorship election

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VOTERS in Ondo State go to the poll tomorrow to elect their governor amidst surge in information ecosystem about the state’s 2024 Governorship Election.

Our team of journalists, researchers, fact-checkers, social media monitors, editors, and OSINT experts are on ground at the Nigerian Fact-checkers’ Coalition’s (NFC) Election Situation Rooms located in Abuja and Lagos, to debunk election-related misinformation and disinformation content targeted at causing voter apathy, inciting violence or influencing the outcome of election in the state.


Do you have an election-related claim you want us to fact-check?

Reach the NFC via WhatsApp here.

Look out for our Election Day LIVE-CHECKS tomorrow.

This page is constantly being updated with verified checks. Kindly scroll downward to read them.


Here are the fact-checks:

Claim 3

CLAIM: An X user, @AsEdeyhappen001, recently shared a video claiming to show an elderly woman chasing APC members with a cutlass during an APC election campaign in Ondo state. The post added the tag #asedeyhappen, meaning— as it is currently happening.

THE FINDINGS: A reverse image search of keyframes in the video shows it has been shared across multiple social media platforms with the same narrative, with the earliest appearing yesterday, November 14, 2024. However, the video lacks clear context, such as location or campaign details, making the claim unverifiable.

VERDICT: UNPROVEN

SOURCES: OSINT, Google Lens


Claim 2

CLAIM: A Facebook page, EIEtv, has claimed that the Court of Appeal in Abuja has removed Olusola Ebiseni as the Labour Party’s candidate in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election.

THE FINDINGS: The NFC found several news reports from November 13, 2024 stating that the Court of Appeal had disqualified Ebiseni, despite the Federal High Court of Abuja ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise him as the Labour Party’s (LP) candidate.

The LP has, however, called the disqualification of its candidate a lie.  Ebiseni, during an interview on Channels Television, says the governorship race is between his party and the All Progressives Congress (APC), suggesting his candidacy.

However, in an updated list of candidates published by the INEC, the LP’s candidates’ names are marked in red with the remark “Court Order.”

Tope Akanmu, the Assistant Director of Voters’ Education for INEC in Ondo State, refused to comment on whether Ebiseni remains the party’s flagbearer saying “it’s a judiciary matter.” However, he noted that the ballot paper carries logos of political parties involved, including LP, thus indicating that the party remains part of the governorship race.

VERDICT: CORRECT

SOURCES: Daily Trust, PUNCH and INEC


Claim 1

CLAIM: An X handle, @ONDO4LUCKY, claimed that over 2 million voters in Ondo state will decide who becomes their next governor.

THE FINDINGS: The NFC found multiple media reports quoting Ms Oluwatoyin Babalola, the chairperson of Ondo state’s Resident Electoral Commission (REC), stating that 2,053,061 registered voters would participate in the Ondo governorship poll.

The State REC disclosed this at the Commission’s Headquarters in Akure on Oct. 5, 2024, during the election preparations.

VERDICT: CORRECT

SOURCES: PUNCH and Daily Trust


 

Nigerian Fact-checkers' Coalition

*This fact-check report was jointly researched and written by members of the Nigerian Fact-Checkers’ Coalition (NFC): Nurudeen Akewushola, Muritala Abdullahi, Fatimah Quadri (FactCheckHub); Elizabeth Ogunbamowo, Cole Praise, Lateef Sanni, Lademi Aborisade, Philip Anjorin, Silas Jonathan, Sunday Awosoro, Mohammed Taoheed, Asiat Jimoh (Dubawa); Catherine Adeniyi, Motunrayo Joel, Allwell Okpi, Adelola Semilore, Denzel Amobi, Muktar Balogun and Precious Ewuji (Africa Check); Caleb Ijioma, Balogun Abosede Mufutiat, Quadri Yahya, Agbelusi Samuel (RoundCheck); Orji Ruth (NatureFacts); Claire Mom (The Cable); Faruk Shuaibu (Daily Trust); Kamal Idress (WikkiTimes); Hannah Ajakaiye, Victor OdionEfemena Ighofose (FactsMatterNG); Pascal Ibe, Adisa-Jaji Azeez, Salihu Shola Taofeek and Blessing Otoibhi (ICIR); and Rosemary Ajayi (Digital Africa Research Lab).

It was edited and approved for publication by Simbiat Bakare, Lois Ugbede (Dubawa), David Ajikobi (Africa Check), Ajibola Amzat (CCIJ), and Opeyemi Kehinde (FactCheckHub) and Bamas Victoria (ICIR).

What Ondo residents feel about Saturday’s governorship poll

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LIKE many other residents of Akure, Ondo State capital, Temitope Oluwatoyin had rushed to the Oba-Oja market, along the Oba Adesida Road on Friday, November 15, to purchase some foodstuffs.

Friday, November 15 is the eve of the Ondo State governorship election slated for Saturday, November 16.

As expected, there will be restrictions on movements to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the state’s off-cycle election in a free, fair and credible manner.

Oluwatoyin, who shared her excitement with The ICIR observed there were unusual business activities at the market.

“You can see that the market is a bit full. I think it is because of the election,” she said but expressed concern that she would not be voting in Saturday’s election.

“I am not an indigene of this place, so I am not voting,” she said.

Stephen Ogunleye, an indigene of the state, wishes to vote but expressed displeasure over the hardships in the country.

Oja-Oba market, along Oba Adesida Road Akure
Oja-Oba Market, along Oba Adesida Road Akure. PC: The ICIR/Alex Ehime

“The situation is very bad. To eat, to feed the family is difficult. As I am now, I’m extremely poor. I don’t have money,” Ogunleye who should be in his early 40 years lamented.

He argued that for him, voting was a waste of exercise, claiming that casting his ballot would not change his condition.

“I can’t vote. I can’t go anywhere and vote,” he said, even though the polling unit is close to his residence.

However, Stephen Andrew, a trader, selling men’s wares, at the Oba-Oja Market holds a different view.

Although he didn’t look very excited about the election, he said he would come out to vote on Saturday.

“I’m a trader here, so I’m not talking about parties or whatever. What I’m saying is that I just want God to put the right person there so that everything will be okay.”

Andrew feels that the government needs to do more for the masses by improving infrastructures and creating wealth.

“Hardship is in town now. They (the government) have tried, they are trying their best. The government should put in more effort, there’s serious hardship in the land,” he stressed.

He also noted that Friday’s market was quite busy and unusual because of the election.

“People are just rushing to the market because tomorrow is an election,” he added.

No roadblocks, security checkpoints

No police or security operatives checkpoints were mounted in the Ondo state capital as of the time of filing the report Friday afternoon.

The ICIR took a tour of the city from the INEC office in Alagbaka through the NEPA Roundabout to Arakale Market and Oke-Aro.

Its reporter was also at the Ijoka area to Akure-South Local Government secretariat before returning to the Oba-Oja Market and Alagbaka.

The reporter only observed a security presence at the Governor’s Lodge, called the VIP Lodge in the state capital.

At the INEC office early on Friday, a heavy security presence was noticed ahead of the election.

Meanwhile, all eyes will be on the state on Saturday as voters head to the poll to elect their next governor.

A total of 1,757,205 voters who collected permanent voter’s card are expected to cast their ballots in the 3,933 polling units across the 203 Wards in the 18 local government areas of the state.

According to INEC, 18 political parties are featuring candidates. However, The ICIR reported that three candidates withdrew from the race.

The Appeal Court also sacked the Labour Party candidate in the election, Olusola Ebiseni, on Thursday, November 14.

The leading contenders in the poll are the incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the former Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

They are both from the southern senatorial region of the state.

The ICIR reports that Agboola was deputy to late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu between 2017 and 2021.

Following an unresolved feud between him and Akeredolu, the late governor replaced him with Aiyedatiwa while recontesting for the governorship office in 2020.

Aiyedatiwa succeeded the late governor on December 27, 2023, after his principal passed on after a prolonged illness.

Nigeria Fact-checkers’ Coalition reopens Situation Room ahead of Ondo poll

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By Muritala Abdullahi

THE Nigerian Fact-checkers’ Coalition (NFC) has opened its Election Situation Rooms to monitor and tackle misinformation and disinformation in the Ondo State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 16.

A statement signed by the NFC coordinator, Opeyemi Kehinde, on Wednesday in Abuja noted that the coalition’s situation rooms in Abuja and Lagos would respond rapidly to monitor and debunk false information spreading about the election, especially on online platforms.

Recall that the coalition, launched in June 2022, includes three international Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) signatories – FactCheckHub, Africa Check and Dubawa.

Other partners are the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Digital Africa Research Lab, Daily Trust, TheCable, Premium Times, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), FactsMatterNG and Round Check.

The NFC debunked dozens of false information about Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, including Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi and Edo off-cycle governorship elections, leveraging effective collaboration among researchers, fact-checkers, editors, data analysts, and social media specialists to curb fake news menace and support election integrity in the country.

The coalition’s model has been adopted in other countries including Kenya, Senegal, Liberia and South Africa and ahead of the December elections in Ghana.

Speaking on the coalition’s efforts, the NFC coordinator said, “We fully support any democratic process that respects the will of the people in the society. That is why we are working assiduously alongside our partners and relevant stakeholders to support information integrity in the Ondo 2024 gubernatorial election and to curb the menace of fake news during the poll.”

Kehinde, who is also the Editor of the FactCheckHub, added: “We’ve deployed our combined team of researchers, social media analysts and fact-checkers to monitor information trends on TVs, radio and online platforms, including social media platforms to quickly identify and debunk claims spreading online and offline.

“Our team will also be publishing a comprehensive analysis of our coverage of the Edo and Ondo 2024 governorship elections immediately after the poll. The analysis detailed misinformation patterns observed during the elections. Utilising fact-checking data, the report identifies prevalent misinformation themes, examines their distribution across major social media platforms, highlights the persistence of false and misleading claims post-verification and reveals potential gaps in content moderation, especially during critical events such as elections etc.

“Based on these insights, this report offers targeted recommendations to enhance real-time monitoring, improve platform collaboration, and foster public resilience against misinformation.”

Also commenting, DUBAWA Nigeria Editor, Kemi Busari, said, “We continue to see the influence of false information on elections and we are not resting on our oars. We’ll go all out to combat misinformation and disinformation that threatens our democracy.”

He encouraged members of the public to send any suspicious posts, images or videos that they want to be verified regarding the Ondo Election to the coalition’s WhatsApp number: +2349030785265.

Similarly, the Nigeria Editor of Africa Check, David Ajikobi, said, “This is our contribution to making sure the electorate and people in the state are equipped with accurate information to help them make informed decisions.”

 

2024 Ondo governorship election result

This will updated with election results when they are announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

NJC sacks two judges, suspends others over misconduct

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THE National Judicial Council (NJC) has sacked two senior judges and sanctioned several others over misconduct.

The NJC, in a statement by its deputy director of information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, on Friday, November 15, disclosed that its decisions were reached during its 107th meeting held on November 13 and 14.

The NJC, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, noted that a justice and Chief Judge of Imo State, T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, and the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Kadi Babagana Mahdi, were compulsorily retired over allegations of falsifying their birth dates.

Additionally, a justice of the Rivers State High Court, G. C. Aguma, and another at the Anambra State High Court, A. O. Nwabunike, were suspended for one year without pay and placed on a two-year watch list for misconduct.

The Council equally considered the report of its preliminary complaints assessment committee, which considered a total number of 30 petitions, empanelled 6 committees for further investigation. While 22 were dismissed for lacking in merit, two were subjudice.

“The Council also empanelled a committee to investigate all complaints and petitions against Hon. Justice O. A. Ojo, Chief Judge, Osun State,” the statement added.

According to the statement, the Council found that Aguma engaged in misconduct by assisting a litigant who secured a judgment at the FCT High Court, Abuja, to file garnishee proceedings against judgment debtors in the Bori Division of the Rivers State High Court. 

The NJC also noted that the judge failed to question why the garnishee proceedings, which could have been enforced in Abuja, were instead brought to his court in Bori.

The Council noted that Nwabunike (of Anambra State) violated Rule 3.1 of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2016.

“He also failed to adhere to the principle of stare decisis from his different interpretation of the word ‘aspirant’ and abused his judicial powers by granting ex parte orders without a Motion on Notice filed along with the originating summons.

“Hon. Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka was recommended to the Governor of Imo State for compulsory retirement with effect from 27 October 2021, while all salaries and allowance received in excess by His Lordship from 27 October 2021 till date should be refunded to the Council,” 

The recommendation was pursuant to the findings of the Council that His Lordship has two different dates of birth; 27 October 1956 and 27 October 1958. However, 27 October 1956, appeared to be the consistent date of birth, but in 2006, the Chief Judge swore to an affidavit changing the date of birth to 27 October 1958,” the statement added.

On Mahdi, the Council found that the judge had three different dates of birth listed (10 December, 28 January, and July, all in 1959) despite his actual birth year being 1952. 

This discrepancy meant he should have retired 12 years ago, according to the statement. 


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The Council deemed this a violation of Rule 02908 (i) and (ii) of the Public Service Rules, 2021, and recommended his compulsory retirement to the Governor of Yobe State, along with an order to refund all salaries and allowances received over the past 12 years.

Meanwhile, the Council has also recommended 36 individuals for judicial appointments across various courts in the country. 

The appointments include judges for State High Courts, Kadis for Sharia Courts of Appeal, and judges for Customary Courts of Appeal. 

Supreme Court dismisses suit challenging EFCC Establishment Act

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THE Supreme Court has dismissed a suit filed by some state attorneys-general challenging the constitutionality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act.

In a unanimous decision, a seven-member panel of justices, led by Uwani Abba-Aji, criticised the plaintiffs, particularly the attorney-general of Kogi State, for their claims. 

In her lead judgment, Justice Abba-Aji highlighted that the suit revealed the EFCC had invited and investigated officials of the Kogi State government, which she deemed to be the driving force behind the legal tussle.

She described this as proof of the “selfish reasons” behind the suit. While affirming that states have the right to make their own laws, Abba-Aji emphasised that any state law conflicting with federal laws, such as the EFCC Act, enacted by the National Assembly cannot hold legal weight.

“Let me first look at the constitutional provision. The plaintiffs rely on Section 12 of the Constitution in their argument. Treaty is an agreement reached by two or more countries which has to be ratified,” Abba-Aji said.

She added that “Conventions are agreed by a larger number of nations. Conventions only come into force when a larger number of countries agree.

“Therefore, the EFCC Act, which is not a treaty but a convention does not need the ratification of the Houses of Assembly. A convention would have been ratified by member states and the NASS (National Assembly) can make laws from it, which will be binding on all the states in Nigeria as it is the case of EFCC Establishment Act.”

The ICIR reports that the case, initially brought by the attorneys-general of 16 states, sought to disband the EFCC, questioning the legal foundation of its establishment. 

But, over time, the legal battle saw significant shifts, with some states withdrawing from the suit and others joining as co-plaintiffs.

The states contended that the National Assembly did not comply with Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which regulates the incorporation of international treaties into domestic law, during the enactment of the EFCC Act.

They also argued that, under Section 12 of the Constitution, domesticating an international convention requires the approval of a majority of state Houses of Assembly.

Some of the states that initiated the suits are Ondo, Edo, Oyo, Ogun, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Enugu, Benue, Anambra, Plateau, Cross River, and Niger.

During the hearing on October 22, three additional states—Imo, Bauchi, and Osun—joined as co-plaintiffs, to challenge the anti-corruption agency. 

Meanwhile, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Adamawa states announced their withdrawal from the suit, prompting the court to strike out their cases.

Miss South Africa withdraws from Miss Universe hours to finale

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THE Miss South Africa Organisation has announced that Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux, will not participate in the upcoming Miss Universe competition due to health challenges.  

In a statement released on Thursday, the organisation expressed its regret over Le Roux’s withdrawal and emphasised its commitment to prioritising her well-being.

Mia Le Roux, who had been among the hopeful contestants in this year’s competition, was quoted to have said:

“I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support from South Africa during my time at Miss Universe. Making this decision has been incredibly challenging, knowing the dreams and hopes that have been placed upon me. However, I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to focus on my health and recovery so that I may continue to serve my country with full strength,”

Her decision came as fans worldwide gear up for the 73rd edition of the pageant, which will feature a record-breaking 30 semifinalists this year.

However, before the Arena Ciudad de Mexico hosts the Miss Universe semi-finalists, a series of preliminary events will take place, allowing the jury and voters to select their favourites. From these, 30 contestants will advance to the main event on November 16.

On Thursday 15, the contestants participated in the National Costume Show, where each contestant showcased their country’s traditional attire.

The famous Swimsuit Parade also took place on the same day, with the top 25 finalists selected, along with four regional candidates from Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

The final semifinalist will be determined through a popular vote ahead of the grand finale, at Arena Ciudad de Mexico.

The ICIR reports that 130 of the world’s most beautiful women are initially expected to compete for the coveted title.

Meanwhile, the Miss South Africa Organisation praised Le Roux’s courage, stating, “Mia has shown incredible courage and grace throughout this difficult period. Her health and well-being are our utmost priority, and we stand by her side, dedicated to ensuring she regains her strength and returns to full health. Our hearts are with her as she takes the necessary steps toward recovery.”  

While Mia’s withdrawal might be a disappointment for her fans and countrymen, the competition remains intense, with contestants from around the globe vying for the crown.

The pageant, which includes segments such as the swimsuit, evening gown, and Q&A rounds, will culminate in the crowning of the next Miss Universe. 

They are competing to succeed Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, the reigning champion from 2023.

Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina still standing 

Many Nigerians are placing their hopes on Chidimma Adetshina, who remains a strong contender in this year’s Miss Universe competition.

Adetshina, a South African model with a Nigerian father, faced xenophobic attacks and abuse while competing in the Miss South Africa pageant earlier this year. The backlash intensified after she advanced to the top 16 in the 2024 edition of the pageant, leading to her withdrawal.

Following her withdrawal, Adetshina was invited by the Silverbird Group to participate in the 2024 Miss Universe Nigeria pageant. She accepted the invitation, competed, and ultimately won the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024.

The ICIR reported that despite having participated in the Miss Universe pageant for 37 years, Nigeria has yet to win the title or secure a runner-up position. 

However, the country has achieved notable successes in various categories, including a top 10 finish in 2001, the Miss Congeniality award in 2014, a top 20 finish in 2019, and the Best National Costume award in 2021.

Many Nigerians are now hopeful that Adetshina will go far in this year’s competition.

LIVE UPDATE: Ondo 2024 governorship election

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) holds off-cycle governorship elections in Ondo state tomorrow, November 16.

Follow the updates below: