Former Big Brother Naija reality star Adekunle Olopade has opened up about why his colleague Ilebaye’s victory in the All-Stars edition of the show felt deeply personal to him.
In a recent media chat with his colleagues Kellyrae, Jeff, and Topher, Adekunle explained that his role in Ilebaye’s early eviction during the Level Up edition the previous year weighed heavily on him.
Adekunle Reflects on the ‘Level Up’ Edition
Adekunle recalled how, as Head of House during the Level Up season, he was tasked with nominating housemates for eviction. Ilebaye, unfortunately, was among those he nominated, leading to her eviction in the third week.
“Ilebaye’s win in All Stars is personal to me. I’m happy that she won. And I will tell you why. In ‘Level Up,’ I was Head of House, and our season was different; the Head of House nominated the housemates for eviction. Ilebaye was part of the people that I mentioned. And she left the third week,” Adekunle said.
He revealed that after the season ended, he felt guilt when he saw how Ilebaye was treated by fans outside the house.
“When we left the house, we were trapped in the bus because fans wanted to greet us. Then Baye was standing by the gate, and people were walking past her. This was someone who was with us on the show. I felt guilt because I was the one who put her up for eviction, and she left,” he confessed.
Ilebaye’s Comeback
When Ilebaye returned for the All-Stars edition and ultimately won, Adekunle expressed joy and pride in her achievement.
“So when we came back for All-Stars and I saw her, I was happy. And then she won. That was a beautiful moment for me,” he said.
A Full-Circle Moment
Ilebaye’s All-Stars victory marks a triumphant comeback for the reality star, solidifying her position as a fan favorite and demonstrating resilience despite early setbacks. Adekunle’s reflection adds a layer of depth to her journey, highlighting the unique connections and emotions shared by housemates on the show.