Attorney Says Every Person Deserves Fair Treatment Under the Law
Immigration attorney Stefanie de Saude-Darbandi has defended her law firm’s decision to represent beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina in her ongoing deportation case, saying the matter is about fairness and the rule of law, not public opinion.
In a statement shared on Instagram, the attorney explained that although Adetshina remains a divisive public figure, every individual deserves the opportunity to have their case heard fairly.
“Not everyone likes Chidimma, but not everyone has to. Behind every headline is a real person, a real family and real legal issues that deserve to be heard fairly,” she wrote.
Law Firm Explains Its Position
De Saude-Darbandi said her firm’s responsibility is to ensure that the law is applied fairly, consistently and in line with the Constitution.
She stressed that representing Adetshina is not about winning public approval but about protecting legal rights.
“Our role has never been to win a popularity contest; it is to ensure that the law is applied fairly, consistently and constitutionally to everyone. That’s what the rule of law requires,” she added.
Deportation Case Draws National Attention
Adetshina has returned to the spotlight after reports emerged that she was arrested in June for allegedly entering South Africa illegally through the Lebombo border from Mozambique.
According to court documents, authorities allege that the former Miss South Africa finalist claimed to be a South African citizen when entering the country.
Officials also alleged that she and her minor son were living in South Africa without legal immigration status.
The Department of Home Affairs is seeking her deportation, while Adetshina’s legal team argues that she has taken the necessary steps to regularise her immigration status.
Beauty Queen Vows Not to Give Up
The 25-year-old has appeared in court several times as she fights to remain in South Africa.
After months of remaining silent, Adetshina recently broke her silence on social media, revealing that the legal battle has left her exhausted, burnt out and depressed.
Despite the emotional toll, she insisted she would continue fighting her case and would not give up.
Her comments have generated mixed reactions online, with some supporters encouraging her while others questioned her changing stance on where she wants to live.
Past Comments Resurface
Critics have pointed to comments Adetshina made in 2024 after winning the Miss Universe Nigeria title.
During an interview with Cool FM Nigeria, she said she did not intend to return to South Africa and praised the opportunities she had found in Nigeria.
She also previously stated that once her documents were sorted out, she planned to return to Nigeria because she believed there were greater opportunities waiting for her there.
Those remarks have resurfaced as her legal battle continues, prompting debate on social media over her current efforts to remain in South Africa.
The case remains before the courts as Adetshina continues challenging attempts to deport her.
