BBNaijaAllStars Winner, Ilebaye Debunks Claims Of Using Pity As Winning Strategy

Ilebaye Odinya, 22, experienced a significant transformation in her life last Sunday when she became N120 million richer as a result of winning Big Brother Naija (All Stars edition).

Though many believed she won by portraying herself as the victim and winning the sympathy of the audience and votes, she has insisted that was not the case.

In an interview with the PUNCH shortly after being presented with her prize, she said, “I did not use any strategy (to win the game). The only strategy I used was to pray to God. I never imagined that I would win the competition.

“During my first participation on the show (in 2022), I spent only three weeks. When I realised that they were bringing stars (for this season), I thought I would last for a maximum of three weeks. I did not know I would be the winner.”

Asked if she had any regrets about her time in the house, Ilebaye said, “The only regret is that I wish I danced very well at the parties. But, there was so much fun and adventure in the house. So, I really don’t have any regret.”

On what lessons she learnt being on the show for the second time, she said, “I have learnt never to underestimate myself. One should always believe in oneself, no matter the outcome. Even if one had failed before, one should never give up. One’s time will always come.”

The reality TV star also stated that the ‘Gen Z baddie’ tag means ‘having so much life’. She added, “It is basically telling everybody I am young. It is a call for young people to be seen and loved.”

She also stated that she had not yet come to terms with winning the show. She said, “I have just been overwhelmed and staying in my room, trying to think and feel the emotions of being the winner. I have not really gone into details of what is going on in the world now. But, I am sure is all love and light; no hate.”