Imisioluwa Opeyemi Ayanwale’s story is a portrait of transformation, not of a fabric makeover or dramatic stunts, but of inner reclamation. Her journey to becoming the queen of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) Season 10 is a testament to her resilience and determination.
Simply known as Imisi inside the Big Brother’s house, the 23-year-old fashion designer, actress and content creator from Oyo State, was once a victim of bullying, but she transformed her struggles into strengths. Her participation in the reality show marked a turning point in her life.
From the early days in the house, viewers noticed something deeper than her humour or her style — her vulnerability. A past shadowed by hardship, trauma and silence. As a teenager she was assaulted and forced out of her home. She found solace in a church storeroom, left overnight in darkness; enduring abuse in a place others called refuge.
According to the freshly minted millionaire, certain everyday things—staying in a dark room, being alone—felt triggering, as she admitted that her childhood left her with fears she could not simply shake off.
These painful seeds fueled her determination to excel, as she carried herself with bold authenticity. Imisi carried this naked truth that later became a powerful force into the Big Brother’s house full of cameras, alliances, competition and scrutiny.
Nicknamed ‘Ijoba606’ by fellow housemate, Kuture, her journey in BBNaija house was not without challenges. She had clashes with fellow housemates like Faith, Johanna, and Thelma Lawson among others. She overcame both external pressures and her own scars; turned her vulnerability into strength. This was clearly seen when given a storytelling task or during diary room reflections, where she shared her past trauma not for sympathy, but for truth.
She let the viewers see her fear, pain, recovery through her mannerisms, choice of words, bold sense of humour, cultural pride (especially with her Yoruba language and catch phrases). Her refusal to hide who she was did much to connect her with the audience. This made her authentic as she didn’t polish every corner; she let raw edges show.
At moments when others were trying to play it ‘safe’ or avoid drama, she leaned into her persona to assert boundaries and preserve dignity. She won tasks, navigated conflicts, built alliances notably with housemates like Kola and Isabella, and held her ground in tensions.
She was accused by viewers and fellow housemates of playing the ‘victim card’, suggesting she shared her story to gain sympathy votes. They went further by stating she was acting a role. She, however, countered by continuing to be consistent, honest, refusing to let the narrative be twisted.
Throughout the 10 weeks the show lasted, Imisi was up for eviction from the first nomination to finals as she was constantly nominated by housemates. As days went bye, fellow contestants saw her as a threat. She maintained her game face, managed relationships, and handled conflict without sacrificing her true self.
“I was very vulnerable in the house. I was just being me, and I don’t think that is a strategy but if people think so be it. I just wanted to come and live in my entity,” she said in an interview during the prize presentation held at the MultiChoice office, Ilupeju, Lagos, on Tuesday, October 7.
Initially considered a wallflower, she gradually won over fans with her authenticity, humour, and emotional intelligence. Her ability to connect with others and defuse tension with humour ultimately made her a fan favourite.
Her victory marked a milestone in the show’s history, as she became the fourth female winner after Mercy Eke, Josephine Otabor (aka Phyna), and Ilebaye Precious Odiniya (aka Gen-Z Baddie).
With a total of 42.8 per cent votes, Imisi became the sixth winner of BBNaija with the highest number of votes at the finals. She defeated Ashiogwu Precious Ifechukwude (Dede) and Koyinsola Samod Sanusi (Koyin) to first and second runner-up respectively to emerge the Season 10 dubbed 10/10 winner.
Expressing appreciation to her #Imistars during, Imisi said: “I feel very excited, happy and so good. I’m overwhelmed and grateful. I have not started living in the reality that I won; I’m still in shock. To my church, the Celestial family, thank you. I’m so happy that I was able to actually show to the world what being a Celestial is about. Thank you so much.”
From being bullied to becoming the crowned queen of BBNaija, Imisi’s journey is a powerful reminder that one’s struggles do not define him or her, rather, it’s how we respond to them that matters.
“I was very vulnerable in the house. I was just being me and not a strategy, but if people think it is, so be it. I just wanted to come and live in my entity,” she enthused.
