Former lawmaker and activist, Shehu Sani, has turned down an invitation to serve as a judge for the upcoming Miss World Nigeria beauty pageant, scheduled to take place this Friday at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos. The rejection, which was communicated via his official social media handle, comes after the event’s organizer and former senator, Ben Bruce, announced Sani’s appointment earlier this week.
Sani, a former senator for Kaduna Central, made his decision public on Thursday, explaining that he could not accept the role due to personal and family reasons. In his post, Sani humorously referred to the challenges he faces in judging beauty, particularly among his wives. “My wives will not be happy if I serve as a Judge. I have not been able to pass judgment on the most beautiful between my wives, let alone those I don’t know,” he wrote.
While his comments were light-hearted, Sani also pointed out that the timing of the event, coinciding with the Sallah period, further complicated his ability to participate. Sallah, an important Islamic holiday, is a time for spending quality time with family and friends, and Sani indicated that he would rather focus on these responsibilities than judge a beauty contest.
In his message, Sani expressed gratitude to Ben Bruce for considering him for the role, acknowledging the honour in being selected as a judge. However, he also apologized for any inconvenience his decision might cause to the organizers and other participants. He ended his statement by wishing the best for the event and the contestants.
The Miss World Nigeria beauty pageant is a prestigious event in Nigeria, attracting attention both locally and internationally. It serves as a platform to showcase the talents, beauty, and intelligence of Nigerian women, with the winner going on to represent the country at the global Miss World competition. This year’s event will be held at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos on April 4, with the glamorous occasion set to draw a crowd of dignitaries, celebrities, and influencers.
Ben Bruce, the event’s organizer, had shared the news of Sani’s appointment on social media earlier in the week. Bruce, a former senator and long-time ally of Sani, expressed his excitement about having the former lawmaker on the panel of judges. “Hearty congratulations to my good friend, Shehu Sani, on his appointment as a judge for the Miss World Nigeria Beauty Pageant, taking place on April 4 at the Federal Palace Hotel,” Bruce wrote on his official social media account. He also reminded the invitees to arrive on time for the event, which is set to begin at 6:00 PM.
Despite Sani’s humorous and personal reasons for rejecting the offer, his decision highlights some of the complex dynamics that often play a role in high-profile events like beauty pageants. For many public figures, especially those who hold strong cultural or religious values, such events can be tricky to navigate. Beauty pageants, in particular, have long been subjects of debate in many parts of the world, including Nigeria, where views on modesty, appearance, and traditional gender roles are still hotly contested.
It is also worth noting that Shehu Sani has been a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and civil activism for years, often speaking out on issues related to human rights, governance, and social justice. He has built a reputation as someone who is unafraid to stand up for his beliefs, even when it means turning down opportunities that might seem glamorous or prestigious. This latest rejection of the Miss World Nigeria judge role fits into that broader narrative of Sani’s public persona.
For Ben Bruce, the situation has caused a bit of a stir, but it is clear that he respects Sani’s decision. Bruce, who has a long-standing friendship with the former lawmaker, has not expressed any disappointment but rather extended his understanding, emphasizing that Sani’s reasons were personal and well-considered.
The Miss World Nigeria pageant will still go on as planned, and the organizers are expected to select an alternative judge to take Sani’s place. The event is one of the most anticipated beauty pageants in Nigeria, with contestants vying for the title and the chance to represent their country on the global stage.
The pageant is set to bring together some of Nigeria’s most talented and beautiful women, with a focus on celebrating their achievements and contributions to society. In addition to the beauty contest, the event will also highlight social issues and promote a sense of unity and pride among Nigerians.
While Shehu Sani’s absence from the judging panel may have been unexpected, his decision is a reminder of the personal boundaries and cultural considerations that can shape the choices of public figures. It also underscores the importance of balancing professional commitments with personal values and family obligations.
Sani’s light-hearted approach to the rejection, which included his humorous reference to his wives, also shows his ability to handle such situations with grace and humor. He was quick to assure the organizers that his decision was in no way a slight to the pageant, but rather a result of his personal circumstances at the time.
In the coming days, the Miss World Nigeria beauty pageant will undoubtedly continue to attract significant attention as it celebrates the beauty and talent of Nigerian women. While the judging panel may have to adjust in light of Sani’s decision, the event promises to be an exciting and high-profile occasion for the nation.
As for Shehu Sani, his commitment to family and respect for cultural traditions remains central to his values, and this decision adds another chapter to his public life, showing that even in the world of beauty pageants, integrity and family come first.
