The finale of Big Brother Naija Season 10 has sparked intense debate across social media after Imisi Ayanwale emerged as the winner of the reality show with a commanding 42.8% of total votes — nearly triple that of first runner-up Dede, who garnered 15.94%.
According to official figures shared by Big Brother Naija on Sunday, other finalists followed closely behind: Koyin (15.23%), Sultana (7.94%), Kola (5.48%), Jason Jae (4.24%), Mensan (3.54%), Isabella (3.07%), and Kaybobo (1.72%).
While many fans celebrated Imisi’s emphatic victory, others claimed her win was driven by what they described as “pity votes.”
On X (formerly Twitter), user @Mackie4reall argued that Imisi’s victory reflected “misplaced priorities in society.”
“Imisi winning #BBNaija really says a lot about what we celebrate in this country. We keep rewarding drama and pity over intelligence and substance. Then we wonder why our politics and society look the way they do,” he wrote.
Another post suggested her win was an act of charity rather than merit:
“The money was faithfully given to Imisi as charity, since she begged for it,” one user commented.
User @DavidPattt also drew parallels with past winners accused of evoking sympathy to secure votes, writing,
“Laycon – pity. Whitemoney – pity. Phyna – razz/pity. Ilebaye – pity. Imisi – pity.”
Fans Defend Imisi’s Victory
However, not everyone agreed with the criticism. Supporters of Imisi took to social media to defend her performance, insisting that her win was well-deserved.
User @symply_kimm dismissed the “pity” narrative, writing,
“Which one is pity vote??? Imisi that did the most in that house to win that money is what you guys are saying, pity vote??? Must be cr@zee. IMISI IS VERY DESERVING OF HER WIN!!”
Another fan, @uzezzi_ (Baby Lion), who admitted to rooting for Dede, also praised Imisi’s gameplay.
“I really wanted Dede to win. Dede is still my winner, but please, Imisi did NOT win because of pity votes. She didn’t sulk, she fought back, she met madness with madness. Even if she’s rough around the edges, that’s who she is — and she left with the same personality she came in with.”
For user @ulxma, Imisi’s appeal went far beyond sympathy:
“She was funny, entertaining, witty, smart, crazy, emotional, flawed, unserious, silly, courageous, and even annoying… the full package. I can’t believe the ‘pity’ and ‘poor’ narrative was imposed on her when she didn’t want it.”