Imisi’s Reign: How a 23-Year-Old from Oyo State Captured Nigeria’s Heart and the Big Brother Naija Season 10 Crown
When Opeyemi “Imisi” Ayanwale was crowned the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10 on October 5, 2025, it wasn’t just a reality TV victory—it was a cultural milestone. With 42.8% of the final vote, the 23-year-old actress and entrepreneur from Oyo State broke through class barriers and redefined what it means to win in modern Nigerian pop culture: by being unapologetically real.
Her journey, rooted in humility and authenticity, resonated with millions. For viewers, Imisi wasn’t a contestant performing for the cameras—she was a mirror reflecting the everyday struggles, hopes, and hustle of a new generation.
“No Pity Strategy—Just My Truth”
In a candid interview on Arise TV, Imisi dismissed claims that her success came from a “pity strategy.” She explained that she had only a few days to prepare for the show after receiving her acceptance email and packed in a rush while on a film location in Ijebu.
“I didn’t come in with a pity strategy,” she said. “I didn’t even believe I was going to be picked for the show. When I got the mail, I had only a few days to pack… everything I took was what I already had. I just showed up as myself.”
Imisi’s honesty—both inside and outside the house—helped her build a reputation for transparency and sincerity, qualities that made her relatable to viewers across Nigeria and beyond.
The Six Pillars of Imisi’s Victory
1. A Relatable Rise to Fame
Imisi’s background as a young actress and fashion designer from modest beginnings struck a chord with Nigeria’s working-class audience. Her rise from Oyo State to the BBNaija stage symbolized hope for millions of dreamers. Viewers saw their own determination reflected in her story of grit and ambition—turning her “grass-to-grace” journey into a movement of collective aspiration.
2. Raw Vulnerability and Courage
One of the defining moments of the season came in Week 8, when Imisi shared her painful experience of having an abortion at 13. Her decision to open up about such a deeply personal trauma on live television sparked widespread empathy. Far from seeking sympathy, the revelation humanized her, transforming her from a contestant into a symbol of survival and self-forgiveness.
3. Authenticity in a House of Strategy
While many housemates navigated alliances and crafted images, Imisi’s unfiltered nature made her stand out. Her witty humor, emotional intelligence, and disarming honesty resonated with fans weary of overproduced personas. In a season themed “10 over 10,” her unscripted energy became the true gold standard.
4. The Rise of “Ijoba 606” and the Imistars
Imisi’s nickname, “Ijoba 606”—coined by fellow housemate Kuture during a Head of House challenge—became a pop culture phenomenon. “Ijoba,” meaning “government” or “ruler” in Yoruba, paired with “606,” transformed her into a symbol of leadership and relatability.
Her fanbase, known as the Imistars or Ijoba 606 Army, mobilized online with relentless energy, driving hashtags like #ImisiTheQueen and #Ijoba606 across social platforms. Their collective effort turned her campaign into a grassroots movement powered by digital community spirit.
5. Owning the Underdog Identity
Without the wealth or influence that often defines high-profile contestants, Imisi leaned into her underdog status. Her humility, humor, and work ethic resonated with fans who celebrated her as proof that authenticity could triumph over privilege. Her win over strong contenders like Dede and Koyin became a testament to merit, resilience, and public sentiment.
6. Walking in Laycon’s Footsteps
Imisi’s trajectory drew parallels with Laycon, the beloved Season 5 winner who also rose from relative obscurity. Like him, she captured hearts not through luxury or bravado but through intellect, honesty, and charm. Both stories tapped into Nigeria’s enduring love for self-made success, reaffirming the power of character in a world obsessed with image.
A Cultural Statement Beyond the Prize
When Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced her win at 8:57 p.m., the Big Brother studio erupted—and so did the internet. Imisi’s 42.8% vote share earned her ₦80 million in cash, a brand-new Innoson SUV, and an array of sponsor rewards presented at a Lagos ceremony on October 7.
Yet, her victory went beyond material prizes. As the fourth female winner in BBNaija history—after Mercy Eke, Phyna, and Ilebaye—Imisi’s triumph underscored the continued rise of authentic female voices in Nigerian pop culture.
Her story wasn’t one of pity—it was one of power: a reminder that vulnerability can be strength, that realness can win hearts, and that every young Nigerian hustler has a story worth telling.
In the words of one fan on X:
“Imisi didn’t play the game. She lived it—and the nation rewarded her for it.”