Kellyrae has emerged as the champion of Big Brother Naija Season 9, themed “No Loose Guard,” walking away with the impressive grand prize of ₦100 million (approx. $976,549).
The season kicked off on July 28, featuring 28 housemates who first competed in pairs before transitioning to individual play. After 71 days of intense challenges, strategic alliances, and high-stakes competition, Kellyrae claimed the top spot in the grand finale.
In the final showdown, eight housemates — Kellyrae, Anita, Onyeka, Ozee, Nelly, Sooj, Victoria, and Wanni — competed for the grand prize. Despite the fierce competition, Kellyrae outlasted them all, securing his victory by edging out Wanni, who finished as the runner-up, and Onyeka, who placed third.
As the winner, Kellyrae took home a cash prize of₦60 million and a brand-new car valued at₦40 million, bringing the total reward to ₦100 million. Notably, Kellyrae entered the competition alongside his wife, Kassia, who was evicted in the penultimate week.
His triumph caps off a remarkable journey marked by drama, determination, and standout performances throughout the season.
Kellyrae and wife, Kassah
The first edition of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija), held in 2006, saw Katung Aduwak, a 38-year-old at the time, claim the title. Efe Ejeba emerged victorious in Season 2’s ‘See Gobe’ edition, outshining housemates such as Bisola, Kemen, and TBoss.
In 2018, Miracle secured the win in the third season, named ‘Double Wahala.’ A year later, Mercy Eke, also known as Lambo, became BBNaija’s first female champion, triumphing in the Season 4 edition after battling it out with popular contestants like Tacha, Mike, and Omashola.
Season 5 in 2020 crowned Laycon as the winner, awarding him a prize package worth ₦85 million. In 2021, Hazel Oyeze “Whitemoney” Onou took home the Season 6 title, securing a total prize value of ₦90 million.
Ijeoma Josephina “Phyna” Otabor emerged victorious in Season 7 of 2022, walking away with ₦100 million. Ilebaye Odiniya won the eighth season in 2023, clinching a ₦120 million prize package.
This progression of winners highlights the increasing stakes and scale of the competition throughout the years.