Chidimma Adetshina's lawyer, Stefanie de Saude-Darbandi, has denied any conflict of interest, emphasising that her private law firm operates completely independently from her advisory responsibilities to the government.
Lawyer Stefanie de Saude-Darbandi has rejected conflict-of-interest claims, stating her private practice remains separate from her state advisory role.
De Saude-Darbandi came under scrutiny for holding a simultaneous dual role as both the legal representative for former Miss Universe Nigeria runner-up Chidimma Adetshina in her deportation battle, and as an independent member of the Department of Home Affairs’ Immigration Advisory Board (IAB).
This has raised conflict-of-interest concerns from the public and political leaders such as the ActionSA’s Herman Mashaba, who challenged de Saude-Darbandi’s suitability for the statutory board, adding that he found it difficult to understand the rationale behind putting her on a panel meant to guide national immigration policy.
Mashaba also penned an editorial opinion asserting that her appointment “deserves public scrutiny” regarding who is advising Home Affairs and how conflicts of interest are managed.
