The Miss Sierra Leone 2025 pageant, held with glamour and fanfare at the prestigious Bintumani Hotel in Freetown, was meant to be a celebration of beauty, intelligence, and national pride. But rather than unify the country, the event has kicked up a storm of controversy that threatens to overshadow its intended purpose. Instead of the triumphant crowning moment of Daizy Princess Mujeh Abdulai being remembered as a proud day for Sierra Leone, the aftermath has been dominated by allegations of tribal favoritism, unfair disqualifications, and behind-the-scenes manipulation.
Abdulai, representing Moyamba District, was crowned the winner after a high-energy final round that featured fierce competition, dazzling gowns, and heartfelt speeches from the finalists. A final-year chemistry student at Fourah Bay College, Abdulai presented herself as a well-rounded and articulate candidate, advocating for environmental awareness and women’s education. But not everyone is celebrating her victory. Shortly after the announcement, social media platforms erupted with criticism and disbelief, as supporters of other contestants—especially Miss Kenema—voiced concerns about how the pageant was managed.
The most explosive accusation came from those who believe that Miss Kenema was unfairly disqualified due to tribal prejudice. She had been a favorite to win, both for her charisma and for the strong support from her region. The organizers have been tight-lipped about the reasons behind her disqualification, fueling even more speculation. Was it a breach of pageant rules? Or was it a move motivated by ethnic and political pressure from powerful corners of Sierra Leone’s society?
The tribalism debate is not new to Sierra Leonean politics or public life. But its entrance into the world of pageantry—often considered a unifying celebration of national culture—has many Sierra Leoneans deeply concerned. Critics argue that if even a beauty pageant can’t be free of ethnic favoritism, then it’s a symptom of a larger rot that permeates all national institutions. Others, however, caution against rushing to judgment, insisting that without clear evidence, assumptions about bias can do more harm than good.
In the face of growing pressure, the Miss Sierra Leone organizers issued a brief statement defending the integrity of the judging process. They described Abdulai as a deserving winner based on her scores in various categories, including public speaking, cultural display, and community involvement. Yet, this has done little to quell the dissatisfaction, especially among Kenema’s supporters, who feel that their contestant’s elimination was both abrupt and unexplained.
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Abdulai herself has attempted to rise above the fray, calling for peace and unity during interviews since her victory. She has acknowledged the controversy but emphasized her commitment to serving as a national ambassador for all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of tribe or region. Her platform focuses on environmental sustainability, youth empowerment, and scientific education for girls—issues she says are close to her heart as a young woman in STEM.
Meanwhile, the controversy has reignited calls for reforms within the Miss Sierra Leone organization. Civil society voices, including women’s rights groups and youth activists, are demanding greater transparency in the selection and judging process. Some are calling for live broadcasting of the entire scoring procedure, while others are pushing for the inclusion of independent observers to ensure that future editions of the pageant are fair, inclusive, and free of political influence.
What makes this issue particularly volatile is the emotional investment many Sierra Leoneans have in their regional identities. Beauty queens are not just individuals competing for a crown—they are seen as symbols of their communities, and their victories (or losses) are felt on a deeply personal level. When fairness is called into question, it risks exacerbating regional tensions and undermining national cohesion.
Beyond the accusations and press releases, there is also a bigger question facing the country: What role should national pageants play in Sierra Leone today? Should they be vehicles for soft diplomacy and cultural pride, or are they simply relics of an outdated tradition susceptible to elite manipulation? As Sierra Leone grapples with these questions, the 2025 edition of Miss Sierra Leone may be remembered not for its glamour but for the firestorm it unleashed.
For Abdulai, the road ahead will not be easy. She will represent Sierra Leone on the international stage, likely at the Miss World competition, under the shadow of a national controversy. How she handles this moment may shape not only her reign but also the future of pageantry in Sierra Leone. One thing is certain: this crown is heavier than it looks.
