By Peter Omopo
Lagos | October 10, 2025 – The long-awaited finale of Big Brother Naija Season 10 ended in grand style on Sunday night as Opeyemi Ayanwale, popularly known as Imisi, was crowned the winner of Africa’s biggest reality TV show.
Imisi, a 27-year-old creative entrepreneur from Lagos, beat other finalists to clinch the coveted title and a grand prize package reportedly worth over ₦120 million, including cash, a brand-new SUV, a house, and several sponsored trips.
The show’s host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, announced Imisi’s victory to loud cheers from the live studio audience and millions of fans watching across Africa. The night also featured musical performances from top Nigerian artistes and emotional highlights from the 10-week-long season.
A Journey of Growth and Strategy
Imisi’s journey in the Big Brother House was marked by resilience, charm, and emotional intelligence. From the opening week, she established herself as one of the most consistent and authentic contestants — winning multiple tasks and maintaining a strong fan base on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok.
Known for her calm yet strategic gameplay, Imisi avoided major controversies and built strong alliances, which many fans credited for her steady rise to the finals. Her creative ideas during sponsored brand tasks also earned her recognition from corporate partners of the show.
Speaking moments after her win, an emotional Imisi thanked her fans — affectionately called “The Imisi Nation” — for their unwavering support.
“I’m still in shock. I didn’t think I’d make it this far, but my people never gave up on me. This victory is for everyone who believed in me,” she said.
Massive Fan Support and Record Votes
According to organisers, this year’s edition broke multiple voting records, with over 1.5 billion votes cast throughout the season. Viewers praised Imisi’s composure and emotional depth, describing her as a “refreshing change” from the usual high-drama housemates.
On social media, hashtags such as #ImisiTheQueen, #BBNaija10Finale, and #TeamImisi trended globally on X within hours of the announcement.
A Season of Drama and Transformation
Season 10, themed “Next Level”, introduced new twists — including the return of evicted housemates for a “second chance week” and the introduction of AI-assisted tasks that tested contestants’ creativity. The mix of old and new housemates, alongside surprise celebrity visits, made it one of the most unpredictable seasons to date.
Fellow finalists JayBoi, Tari, Kamsi, and VeeTee congratulated Imisi after the announcement, describing her win as “well-deserved.”
Looking Ahead
With the show’s end, brands and entertainment analysts are already predicting major endorsements for Opeyemi Ayanwale. Past winners like Mercy Eke, Laycon, and Whitemoney went on to build successful careers in entertainment and business, and fans expect Imisi to follow a similar path.
Organisers of Big Brother Naija, MultiChoice Nigeria, also confirmed that preparations for the next season have begun, with auditions set to open in early 2026.
“Big Brother Naija continues to be a platform that transforms ordinary people into household names,” said Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice. “Imisi’s story is a testament to authenticity, creativity, and resilience.”
As confetti rained down on stage and her fellow housemates embraced her, Opeyemi “Imisi” Ayanwale stood visibly overwhelmed — a symbol of triumph and grace.
Her journey from a modest background to Nigeria’s most-watched reality TV star marks yet another chapter in the evolution of African entertainment.
