Human rights activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju has stirred controversy after questioning whether the organisers of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) actually pay winners their full prize money, claiming that many of them appear financially worse off after the show.
Adeyanju made the statement on Monday via his X handle, a day after Imisi was announced as the winner of the 10th edition of the popular reality show, walking away with a grand prize of ₦150 million.
“Do they really give BBNaija winners the prize money? The reason I’m asking is because many of them end up looking extremely broke thereafter,” Adeyanju wrote.
His post immediately ignited debate online, with fans and critics of the show flooding his comment section. While some supported his observation, others challenged him to name specific winners who had become poorer after their victory. The activist, however, did not respond.
Adeyanju’s remarks revived ongoing discussions about how BBNaija winners manage fame and finances after the show. The issue gained attention again recently when Phyna, the Season 7 winner crowned in 2022, publicly accused the organisers of failing to deliver all her promised prizes.
BBNaija, which remains one of Africa’s biggest reality TV franchises, has produced multiple household names over the years — yet Adeyanju’s comments suggest the show’s aftermath may not be as glamorous as it seems for some winners.
