A contestant on the current season of Big Brother Naija has shifted tactics in his interactions with a fellow housemate after acknowledging parallels to a controversial past storyline from the reality show. Kola, a housemate on the 10/10 edition, recently revealed plans to distance himself emotionally from Dede, who has repeatedly emphasized her commitment to a romantic partner outside the house. The development follows weeks of tension, documented by the show’s producers and reported by Media Talk Africa.
Kola openly confessed his feelings for Dede earlier in the season, but she responded by insisting their bond remain platonic. Despite her clarity, Kola intensified his pursuit, questioning her closeness with male co-stars Jason Jae and Koyin during group discussions. The situation reached a tipping point during a Tuesday evening conversation with housemate Sabrina, moments after Kola concluded a diary-room session with the show’s unseen host, Biggie, and a therapeutic chat with co-host Ibifubara. “She’s giving mixed signals,” Kola told Sabrina, expressing frustration over Dede’s interactions with others. Sabrina noted his singular focus on Dede, replying, “You are the only one dedicated to her.”
The exchange took a reflective turn as Kola drew comparisons to a viral 2020 Big Brother Naija storyline involving housemates Ozo and Nengi during the Lockdown season. Ozo relentlessly pursued Nengi, who maintained she was in a relationship outside the show. While Nengi consistently reiterated her boundaries, her occasional receptiveness to Ozo’s gestures led viewers to criticize him as overly eager, with many dubbing him “a simp” online. Kola admitted he now sees similarities between his dynamic with Dede and the Ozo-Nengi saga, which he views as damaging to his image. “I don’t want that,” he said, vowing to step back. He added that he hopes his support team can pivot the narrative, saying, “I will do same when I come out.”
Sabrina’s remark—“Only God knows the conversations she has with Koyin and Jason Jae”—highlighted lingering suspicions about Dede’s connections with other housemates. However, Kola’s decision to recalibrate suggests a strategic move to avoid the same public scrutiny that defined Ozo’s experience. The 2020 season’s unresolved tensions became a recurring theme in fan discussions and media coverage, underscoring how personal dynamics on the show can influence contestants’ reputations long after the finale.
For international audiences unfamiliar with the franchise, Big Brother Naija —a spin-off of the global reality TV phenomenon—has become a cultural touchstone in Africa, blending competition, strategy, and interpersonal drama. Contestants live under constant surveillance, with their interactions dissected by viewers and media outlets. Kola’s pivot underscores the delicate balance housemates navigate between authentic connection and self-preservation in a high-stakes environment where public perception can shape post-show opportunities. As the season progresses, fans will watch whether this shift alters the group’s dynamics—or if history repeats itself.
