The organisers of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant have called for unity after some judges were temporarily barred from leaving the Solomon Islands amid allegations of fraudulent activities surrounding the crowning of Miss Samoa.

Authorities in the Solomon Islands confirmed that an exit ban on the judges was lifted on Wednesday afternoon.

However, a police investigation remains ongoing into what officials described as "alleged fraudulent activities during the crowning of the Miss Pacific on Saturday, 8th February."

Miss Samoa, Litara Ieremia-Allan, was crowned the winner of the 38th Miss Pacific Islands pageant, securing Samoa's ninth title and marking the second consecutive win for the nation.

The competition, which was established in 1987 to promote Pacific culture, is judged across several categories, including best sarong, traditional attire, talent, and interview.

Samoa's government stated that Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt, the Samoan head judge, was prevented from boarding his flight in Honiara on Tuesday.

Mr Brunt told In-depth Solomons he denied any wrong doing.

"I can honestly tell you that I don't even know where that allegation came from," he said.

"I hold the integrity of the entire Pacific Islands pageant show in high regard, and I feel saddened by these false allegations. God as my witness"

The Solomon Islands government confirmed that the Minister for Home Affairs had directed border officials to stop all judges and scrutineers from leaving the country following complaints of irregularities in the judging process.

"The 'Stop Notice' only restricts the judges or relevant persons from departing Solomon Islands, but were not detained and are given the freedom to move around Honiara city," The government said in a statement.

Two of the five judges, representing Papua New Guinea and Tonga, had already left before the order was issued, officials confirmed.

Mr Brunt told Samoa Global News that he would seek an apology over his treatment and the allegations made against him.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Miss Pacific Islands Litara Ieremia-Allan returned to Samoa on Wednesday.

The pageant's board, which consists of representatives from multiple Pacific Island nations, has yet to comment on the claims.

As the controversy unfolds, organisers have urged for unity, emphasising the importance of upholding the integrity of the long-running competition.