Political activist and human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has sparked online debate after claiming that many past winners of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) end up financially worse off despite the fame and prize packages that come with winning the reality show.
In a post shared on his X handle, Adeyanju expressed doubt about whether winners always receive the full monetary value of their prizes, noting that several of them appear to have slipped into financial difficulty just a few years after their victory. He suggested that the organisers should clarify whether hidden deductions or conditions are attached to the prize money.
His comments drew swift reactions from fans of the show and former contestants. While some agreed that the glamour of the show fades quickly without proper financial management, others argued that several BBNaija alumni have successfully built thriving careers in entertainment, business, and brand influencing. Adeyanju, however, maintained that more transparency is needed around prize disbursement, adding that many young Nigerians look up to the show as a life-changing opportunity.