Nigerian-American beauty queen Victoria Oluwakotanmi has been appointed Miss Grand USA 2026, following the abrupt dethronement of original titleholder Mekayla Li. The Miss Grand USA organisation confirmed the change in a formal announcement on its official social media platforms, naming Oluwakotanmi as the new national queen and the country’s representative to Miss Grand International.

Oluwakotanmi had finished as first runner-up at the Miss Grand USA pageant, positioning her as the immediate successor when the organisation moved to terminate Li’s reign. In its statement, Miss Grand USA described the transition as the start of “an extraordinary new chapter,” praising Oluwakotanmi’s poise, commitment and readiness to assume the responsibilities of the crown.

The organisation said she will now lead the brand’s advocacy and public engagements across the United States, while preparing to compete on the global stage. Her role will include charity work, media appearances and participation in campaigns aligned with Miss Grand International’s mission of promoting peace and opposing violence.

Miss Grand USA framed Oluwakotanmi’s appointment as a moment of renewal, calling it a journey filled with “purpose, opportunity and unforgettable experiences” and expressing confidence that she will embody the values of the pageant in the international arena.

The reshuffle follows controversy surrounding Mekayla Li, whose title was revoked days after she was crowned. The organisation announced that Li’s reign had been terminated in line with contractual policies, after reports emerged about an alleged hit-and-run incident and a previous marriage. While it did not go into extensive detail, Miss Grand USA stressed that the decision was made to protect the integrity of the title.

In the same statement, the organisation appealed for civility in public reactions to the change, urging fans and commentators to avoid harassment, bullying or defamatory remarks directed at any of the parties involved.

With the transition now formalised, Oluwakotanmi steps fully into the role of Miss Grand USA 2026. As she prepares for the international competition, pageant followers in both the United States and Nigeria are expected to rally behind her, viewing her ascent as a significant moment for the Nigerian diaspora and for representation on the global pageant stage.