Popular Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has sparked reactions online after sharing his opinion on what he described as a recurring trend among winners of the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show.
According to him, most of the past winners of the show often end up appearing broke or financially unstable after their time in the spotlight, despite receiving huge cash prizes and endorsement deals during and after the competition.
Adeyanju expressed his thoughts via his official X handle, questioning the authenticity of the show’s promised rewards and wondering if the winners actually receive the full amount of their prize money from the organizers.
Adeyanju questions BBNaija prize money transparency
The outspoken activist raised his concerns shortly after the conclusion of BBNaija Season 10, which saw Imisi emerge as the winner and receive a grand prize of ₦120 million.
Adeyanju wrote: “Do they really give BBNaija winners the prize money? The reason I am asking is because many of them end up looking extremely broke thereafter.”
His post quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from netizens who either agreed with his observation or defended the reality stars.
Some users argued that fame and sudden wealth can be difficult to manage, leading some ex-housemates to squander their winnings or invest poorly. Others, however, accused the organizers of not being transparent enough about how the prize money is distributed.
Public reactions and debate online
The comment section of Adeyanju’s post was flooded with responses, as fans discussed various theories behind the supposed financial struggles of former BBNaija winners. Some pointed out that certain winners may have spent heavily on maintaining a public image or launching businesses that didn’t thrive.
A few users also noted that not all winners fit into Adeyanju’s description, citing successful examples like Mercy Eke and Laycon, who have built strong brands and sustained their popularity after the show.
However, others agreed with him, mentioning that many former housemates seem to fade away from the public eye and social media spotlight not long after their victory, with little evidence of long-term financial growth.
A look back at BBNaija winners
Since its inception, Big Brother Naija has produced several memorable winners who captured the hearts of millions of fans. From Katung Aduwak, the first winner in 2006, to Efe Ejeba in 2017, Miracle Igbokwe in 2018, and Mercy Eke in 2019, each has experienced different levels of post-show success.
Subsequent winners like Laycon (2020), Whitemoney (2021), Phyna (2022), Ilebaye (2023), and Kellyrae (2024) also brought their unique personalities to the franchise — but according to Adeyanju, the pattern of financial decline among some of them raises questions about financial literacy, management, and the structure of BBNaija’s reward system.
His post continues to trend online, sparking a wider discussion about celebrity wealth, post-show life, and how reality stars navigate fame once the cameras stop rolling.
Check out his post below …
