Ilebaye Odiniya, the triumphant Big Brother Naija All Stars winner, expressed her deep disappointment at the lack of congratulations from some of her fellow housemates upon her victory in the reality TV show.
She conveyed these feelings during a candid conversation on Chude Jideonwo’s #WithChude.
She shared that their failure to offer their congratulations evoked painful memories of her early life experiences, where betrayal instilled in her a fear of forming friendships.
She also highlighted the isolation and bullying she endured within the Big Brother house, which triggered bouts of depression after her initial appearance on the show.
Recalling her emotions when some housemates refrained from congratulating her, she revealed, “I am still hurt that I didn’t receive congratulations from some of the housemates because I genuinely believed that, had the roles been reversed, I would have celebrated their success.
In a vulnerable moment with Ike in the bathroom, I felt a profound sense of sadness and loneliness, questioning what I had done to deserve such treatment.
I wished they had communicated their concerns to me instead of throwing my clothes around. I simply felt as though I wanted to disappear.
When discussing her return for the All-Stars season, she emphasized that her primary goal was to have fun while maintaining an optimistic outlook about reaching the finals.
She explained, “I approached this with the intention of enjoying myself.
My only strategy was to pray and trust in God for a chance at making it to the final stage.
Winning never crossed my mind; my prayer was simply to endure and stay until the 6th week or, if it was in God’s plan, reach the final.
As for the rumors that I sought public sympathy by claiming I was bullied, I believe this is false. My victory is a result of grace.
This is my year, and what’s destined for you will come your way. I believe people genuinely supported me for who I am, not out of pity.”
Reflecting on her experience of mistreatment by her fellow housemates, she clarified, “I faced a great deal of misunderstanding, underwent several challenges, and felt mistreated. I wouldn’t label it as bullying, but rather an unfair treatment.”
Regarding her relationships with male housemates on the show, she shared, “In the house, I was interested in getting to know Prince.
He seemed cool, and I sensed his apprehension, so I told him, ‘I’m not the type of person who thrives on competition. When I’m for you, I’m entirely devoted to you.’
However, I think he may have perceived it as a jest and suggested we wait until after leaving the house.”
She added, “There was nothing serious between us; we were just friends. I appreciate intelligence, and I admire the way he thinks and speaks.
As for my connection with Cross, it wasn’t a serious romantic relationship.
The house can get dull without someone to spend time with, so I thought, ‘Let’s have some fun,’ and it wasn’t meant to be anything profound.”
When discussing her future aspirations, she shared, “I aspire to become the world’s top runway model and establish my own orphanage. I also have ambitions in acting and dream of owning my business.
I’m determined to reflect on my unique identity and create something extraordinary.
