Big Brother Naija Season 10 winner, Opeyemi Ayanwale, popularly known as Imisi, has addressed speculations suggesting that she intentionally adopted a “pity strategy” to win the hearts of viewers and secure votes during her time on the reality show.
During a candid interview with Arise TV, the 23-year-old reality star clarified that her participation in the show was purely spontaneous and unplanned. She explained that contrary to public opinion, she didn’t join the competition to evoke sympathy or manipulate emotions.
Imisi dismisses claims of using pity strategy
Speaking further, Imisi revealed that her entry into the Big Brother house happened so suddenly that she barely had time to prepare or plan her wardrobe. She shared that upon receiving the acceptance email, she was in Ijebu and had only a few days to pack her belongings before heading for the show.
“I didn’t come in with a pity strategy. 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. I was in Ijebu at the time, and I brought all the costumes I took to that location to my sister, then we started planning,” she said.
Imisi added that her appearance and lifestyle during the show were genuine reflections of who she is, emphasizing that everything viewers saw on screen represented her true self rather than a scripted act designed to gain votes or sympathy.
Imisi opens up on her fashion choices
The reality TV star also spoke about her choice of clothing on the show, revealing that most of the outfits she wore were from her personal collection and reflected her everyday fashion sense. She stated that even if she had more time to plan, her dressing style would have remained the same.
“I didn’t have time to go home, and even if I did, I feel like it’s just a few things I’d have taken because most of the outfits I wore in the house are what I usually wear outside. That’s just me,” Imisi explained.
Imisi went on to express that her main goal throughout the show was to stay authentic and let the public connect with her true personality rather than trying to win through emotional manipulation or pity. She wanted her journey to inspire others to embrace their individuality and trust their natural path to success.
Imisi crowned BBNaija Season 10 winner
It will be recalled that Imisi emerged as the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10, themed “10/10,” during the grand finale on Sunday, October 5, 2025. Her victory came after weeks of resilience, emotional moments, and genuine interactions that endeared her to millions of viewers across Nigeria and beyond.
The 23-year-old star walked away with a staggering grand prize of N150 million, which included N80 million in cash, a brand-new Innoson SUV, and various sponsored prizes. Her win cemented her reputation as one of the most relatable and authentic contestants in the history of the BBNaija franchise.
Since her triumph, Imisi has continued to inspire her growing fan base with her humility, authenticity, and determination to make a lasting impact both in the entertainment industry and beyond.