Ilebaye Odinya: I Didn’t Use Pity to Win BBN
In a stunning turn of events, 22-year-old Ilebaye Odinya emerged victorious in the Big Brother Naija (All Stars edition), claiming the grand prize of N120 million. While some speculated that her victory hinged on playing the role of a victim and eliciting viewers’ sympathy, Odinya vehemently refutes these claims.
During an exclusive interview with Saturday Beats, shortly after receiving her substantial prize, Odinya asserted, “I did not employ any tactical maneuvers to secure my win in the game. The only strategy I relied upon was prayer. Winning this competition was beyond my wildest imagination.”
Reflecting on her prior stint on the show in 2022, where she only lasted three weeks, Odinya candidly admitted that she anticipated a similarly short-lived experience in the All Stars season. “I never foresaw myself as the winner,” she remarked.
When questioned about any regrets from her time in the Big Brother house, Odinya responded, “My only regret is not dancing more energetically at the parties. However, the house was brimming with enjoyment and adventures, so I truly have no significant regrets.”
Regarding the lessons she gleaned during her second appearance on the show, Odinya imparted, “I’ve learned never to underestimate my own capabilities. One should always maintain self-belief, regardless of the outcome. Even in the face of previous failures, one should never relinquish hope, as one’s moment will invariably arrive.”
The reality TV sensation also decoded the “Gen Z baddie” label as an assertion of her youthful exuberance. She elaborated, “It essentially conveys that I am youthful, and it serves as a rallying cry for young individuals to be acknowledged and cherished.”
Expressing her ongoing astonishment at her victory, Odinya confessed, “I’ve been overwhelmed, spending time in solitude, contemplating and attempting to absorb the emotions that come with being the champion. I haven’t had the chance to delve into current world affairs, but I am confident that it’s a realm filled with love and positivity, devoid of animosity.”
As she sets her sights on the future, Odinya disclosed that her next move entails building her empire and commencing her journey with the N120 million windfall. Furthermore, she emphatically stated that she harbors no regrets about her romantic involvement with Cross within the confines of the Big Brother house. “No, I do not regret any of my actions in the house. I kissed him because I wanted to, and I have no remorse whatsoever,” she affirmed.