Big Brother Naija Season 10 first runner-up, Dede Ashiogwu, has dismissed allegations that regional bias influenced the outcome of the recently concluded reality TV show, insisting that winner Imisioluwa Ayanwale’s victory was purely based on merit.
The “Ten Over Ten” edition ended on Sunday with Imisi crowned the winner after 72 days in the house, taking home the ₦150 million grand prize. However, controversy erupted when Ossai Ovie Success, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, alleged that the results were manipulated to prevent another Delta native from winning — referring to Dede’s near victory following Kellyrae’s Season 9 triumph.
Ossai claimed via his official X handle that Dede was “robbed” of the title and hinted at legal action against the show’s organisers, accusing them of “rigged voting.”
But speaking during the official prize presentation on Tuesday at the MultiChoice Nigeria headquarters in Lagos, Dede debunked the claims and urged fans to respect the process.
“I don’t believe it had anything to do with the region. It’s simply about the votes — she got the highest number and she won. She truly deserves it,” she said, praising Imisi’s performance and integrity throughout the show.
Dede, who hails from Delta State, said she holds no resentment and is instead focused on building her career in entertainment and acting. “Everything amazing, everything we don’t know, everything we’ve never seen — that’s what I’m bringing,” she said with confidence.
Her remarks have since drawn applause from fans who commended her maturity and sportsmanship, describing her as one of the standout personalities of the “Ten Over Ten” season.
