By Felicia Odom 21.8.2026
Nigerian American born Navy officer, Victoria Oluwakotanmi has been crowned Miss Grand USA 2026, after winner Mekayla Li, was stripped of the title.
A week after the pageant it emerged that Li had been involved in a hit and run accident and also has been in a previous marriage, she subsequently relinquished her crown and organisers pushed up second runner up Oluwakotanmi.
“Miss Grand USA announces the termination of Mekayla Li’s reign and her release from the Miss Grand USA title and all associated duties. This decision was made in accordance with contractual policies outlined by the [organisation],” the pageant said in a statement.
“Victoria now steps forward to carry the crown, represent the United States, and begin an extraordinary new chapter with the Miss Grand USA organisation,” the pageant said.
The organisation described her appointment as the beginning of a new journey filled with “purpose, opportunity, unforgettable experiences” and the honour of representing the US internationally.
“We are incredibly excited for everything ahead and cannot wait for the world to experience this next chapter alongside her,” it added.
The 25-year-old Oluwakotanmi grew up in San Antonio, Texas. In 2019 she joined the US Navy a Logistics Specialist and has been associated with the Naval Operational Support Center San Antonio at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston.
