Senator Ben Murray-Bruce has stirred reactions with his announcement of former Kaduna senator Shehu Sani as one of the judges for the 2025 Miss World Nigeria beauty pageant.
The Silverbird Group founder made the revelation on X (formerly Twitter), jokingly congratulating Sani while playfully reminding him to arrive on time and in his finest attire for the event scheduled for April 4 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.
“Hearty congratulations to my good friend, Shehu Sani, @ShehuSani, on his appointment as a judge for the Miss World Nigeria Beauty Pageant, taking place on April 4th, 2025, at the Federal Palace Hotel. Kindly ensure you arrive on time; 6:00 PM sharp. And come dressed in your finest attire,” Bruce wrote.
Sani responded in a lighthearted manner, saying, “Haba Distinguished, You should have sent me a formal letter and with full benefits attached to it after I have passed the judgment. I appreciate the honour from a good friend. Unfortunately, I’ll be unavailable on that day. I wish you a successful outing.”
Despite the exchange, many Nigerians found the appointment surprising, questioning why a politician like Shehu Sani would be chosen to judge a beauty pageant.
Some critics argued that his religious background might conflict with the event’s nature.
A user, Usman Jamare, commented, “This is an insult to him, his culture, and his religion to crown him as a judge for an indecent act. Though I’m not surprised because he always behaves like a homeboy rather than a right Honourable gentleman of the Northern extraction.”
Another user, Jstmatty, wrote, “But sorry ooo, what does Mr Shehu Sani know about pageantry? Or is this the usual Nigerian system where the crown goes to whoever pleases the gods, knows the right people, or does their bidding?”
Obata Obie added, “You want them to stone him in Kaduna? Oluoma jee.”
However, not all reactions were negative.
Ken Son praised the decision, saying, “He deserves it. He’s a good man. God will also see him through as he is working to go back to the Senate come 2027.”
Miss World Nigeria is an annual beauty pageant that selects Nigeria’s representative for the global Miss World competition.
Preparations for the 2025 edition are currently underway, with contestants in camp ahead of the grand event. The winner will represent Nigeria at the Miss World competition on May 31, 2025, in Hyderabad, India.
