Imisi Ayanwale’s victory as the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) Season 10 champion on October 5, 2025, went beyond just a reality TV moment; it became a symbol of unity in a country often torn apart by division. At just 23 years old, Imisi, who hails from Oyo State but has made her mark in Lagos’ Ebute Metta, captured an impressive 42.8% of the viewer votes—leaving her competitors, Dede Ashiogwu (25-30%) and Koyin Sanusi (20-25%), in the dust. With this win, she took home a staggering N150 million prize, which included N80 million in cash, a brand-new SUV, and a slew of endorsements. As the fourth female winner in a decade, her transformation from an underestimated underdog to the celebrated “Ijoba 606” highlights the incredible ability of entertainment to bridge societal divides. The nickname “Ijoba” reflects her record-breaking 6-minute-6-second Head of House (HOH) challenge, evoking a sense of Yoruba authority, while “606” pays homage to Lagos culture. Throughout her time in the house, she maintained her composure despite facing snubs from fellow housemates. Her dramatic finale, powered by a passionate fan base, not only defied expectations but also showcased a voting spirit that transcended the ethnic, religious, and regional tensions that often plague Nigerian elections.
The “Chillax” 10 over 10 edition of BBNaija, which kicked off in July 2025 with 29 housemates, promised a relaxed atmosphere filled with the usual twists and turns. Imisi, born Opeyemi Ayanwale on January 24, 2002, faced early bullying for her unique slang and what some deemed a “low-class” vibe, particularly from peers like Koyin and Faith. However, her honest reflections in the diary room won over many hearts. Her mid-season HOH victory sparked chants of “Ijoba 606,” turning watch parties into nationwide celebrations. Strategic alliances, especially with Dede, and her skill in wager tasks helped her secure immunities, while her refusal to pretend to be elitist resonated as a bold stand against classism. MultiChoice’s Atinuke Babatunde praised the season’s “phenomenal” engagement, highlighting Imisi’s calm demeanor as a “masterclass in power through chill.” Post-win, her Instagram surged, with Reels of confetti chaos amassing millions of views, and celebrities like Phyna tweeting endorsements: “My authentic winner.”
This wasn’t just a stroke of luck; Imisi’s strategy—embracing vulnerability without being volatile, forming alliances without hidden agendas—reflected the youthful spirit of Nigeria, where the median age is just 18, channeling their hopes into votes. Her connections to the Celestial Church brought a spiritual richness, with supporters praying across different faiths, while her pride in her Yoruba heritage felt welcoming rather than exclusive. As one analyst pointed out, “In the midst of the drama, her quiet strength silenced the doubters.”
Unity in Diversity: Bridging Nigeria’s Divides Nigeria’s rich tapestry—over 250 ethnic groups, a split between Christians and Muslims, and six distinct regions—often frays during crucial elections. Yet Imisi’s coalition broke the mold: Yoruba Nollywood fans boosted her presence through memes, Oyo supporters organized rallies, and allies from other ethnic backgrounds—like Igbo city dwellers and Hausa students—embraced her as a symbol of “proud Nigerian” identity. Viral videos of Celestial Church worshippers dancing after the announcement captured a joyful interfaith celebration, with even Ghanaians and skeptics joining in to celebrate her as a “light across creed and class.” Social media metrics showed a staggering 300% increase in Google searches for “Ijoba 606 meaning,” blending curiosity with excitement that crossed borders. While there were murmurs of tribal pushback—some critiquing her Yoruba emphasis—the prevailing story was one of unity: “Ethnicities came together in joy, proving that love knows no boundaries.”
This vibrant mosaic outshone narrow loyalties, as fans rejected elitism among housemates as a reflection of society. Data from X analytics revealed a diverse range of supporters: market women, CEOs, and youth from the diaspora—all rallying under #Ijoba606—coming together without any pressure. In a country still healing from the scars of the 2023 elections marked by faith-driven riots, Imisi’s victory echoed Whitemoney’s 2021 message of unity but took it to another level, placing her among the ranks of four female winners alongside Mercy Eke, Phyna, and Ilebaye.
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