Amid escalating tensions in the Big Brother Naija house, contestant Thelma Lawson has publicly addressed speculation about her relationship with fellow housemate Kayikunmi, dismissing claims of romantic involvement as mere strategizing. The drama unfolded after Thelma, newly crowned Head of House (HoH), selected Kayikunmi as her guest during Sunday’s episode—a decision that sparked backlash from Isabella, Kayikunmi’s romantic interest, who accused Thelma of acting out of spite.
Reports from Media Talk Africa indicate that Isabella openly questioned Thelma’s motives, suggesting the HoH’s choice was fueled by personal attraction. The allegation quickly dominated conversations among viewers and housemates, heightening existing rivalries. However, in a Monday discussion with fellow contestant Kola, Thelma firmly denied the claims. “Choosing Kayikunmi is just a game tactic,” she stated, emphasizing her intent to challenge perceptions of the HoH role. “It’s about showing this position isn’t just about favoring friends. If nominations happened today, I’d even save Isabella,” she added, hinting at a broader strategy to avoid alliances.
To quash rumors further, Thelma humorously described their sleeping arrangements in the HoH suite: “We slept apart like Moses parted the Red Sea.” Her remarks underscored efforts to downplay intimacy while highlighting the performative nature of reality TV dynamics.
Kayikunmi echoed her sentiments in a separate chat with Kola, asserting their bond was strictly platonic. “Thelma’s my guy—there’s nothing romantic. She calls me out when I mess up, but I’m still focused on Isabella,” he said, reaffirming his connection with the accuser. His comments aimed to defuse tensions while keeping his on-screen romance narrative intact.
The exchange reflects the high-stakes social maneuvering inherent in Big Brother Naija, Africa’s most-watched reality series, where strategic gameplay often intertwines with personal relationships. The HoH role grants immunity and influence over nominations, making Thelma’s controversial pick a calculated move to reshape group dynamics. Observers speculate whether her approach will foster alliances or fuel further discord as the competition intensifies.
As the season progresses, the incident underscores the blurred lines between authenticity and performance in reality television. For international audiences, it offers a glimpse into the strategic and interpersonal complexities that drive viewer engagement, cementing the show’s reputation as a crucible of drama and tactical gameplay.
