Opeyemi Ayanwale biography reveals the inspiring story of BBNaija Season 10 winner Imisi – her age, net worth, career, boyfriend status, parents, and more.

Who is Opeyemi Ayanwale?

Opeyemi Ayanwale, popularly known by her stage name Imisi, is a talented Nigerian fashion designer, reality television star, and aspiring actress who captured the hearts of millions during Big Brother Naija Season 10. Born on January 24, 2002, the 23-year-old made history by emerging as the winner of BBNaija Season 10, taking home the ₦80 million grand prize and cementing her status as one of Nigeria’s newest entertainment icons.

Her nickname “Imisi” is a Yoruba word meaning “inspiration” or “breath,” which perfectly captures her vibrant personality and the impact she made on viewers throughout the competition. From Ibadan, Oyo State, this young entrepreneur entered the BBNaija house as a relatively unknown fashion designer and emerged as a household name with a massive following.

What sets Opeyemi apart is her authentic personality, emotional intelligence, and ability to connect with people on a genuine level. Her journey from a small-town girl with big dreams to winning Nigeria’s most-watched reality show represents a powerful story of determination, resilience, and staying true to oneself despite challenges.

Quick Facts About Opeyemi Ayanwale

Early Life and Family Background

Opeyemi Ayanwale was born on January 24, 2002, in Oyo State, Nigeria, into a family that valued creativity and self-expression. Growing up in Ibadan, she developed her bold and expressive personality that would later become her signature trait in the entertainment industry.

Raised by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ayanwale, Opeyemi had a childhood filled with energy and ideas. From an early age, she was known for her talkative nature and love for the spotlight, traits that would eventually serve her well in her reality television career.

Her Yoruba heritage played a significant role in shaping her identity and values. Throughout her time on BBNaija, she proudly showcased her cultural background through traditional attire, Yoruba expressions, and a deep connection to her roots. Her strong Christian faith has also been a guiding force in her life, helping her navigate challenges with resilience and grace.

The family environment she grew up in encouraged creativity and ambition, laying the foundation for her future pursuits in fashion design and entertainment. While specific details about her siblings or extended family remain private, it’s clear that her upbringing instilled values of hard work, authenticity, and determination.

During her childhood, Opeyemi displayed a natural flair for creativity and performance. She loved to talk, create, and be heard, characteristics that remained constant throughout her development and eventually helped her stand out in the highly competitive BBNaija environment.

Educational Background and Early Career Development

Opeyemi’s educational journey reflects her commitment to building skills that would support her entrepreneurial ambitions. She pursued her passion for fashion design at Yaba College of Technology, where she received an Ordinary National Diploma, gaining technical knowledge about garment construction, design principles, and the fashion business.

Before joining Big Brother Naija, Imisi earned a degree from the University of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning. Her academic experience at this renowned university helped shape her confidence, sharpen her entrepreneurial mindset, and build the foundation for her fashion brand.

The education she received at both institutions equipped her with both creative skills and business acumen. At Yaba College of Technology, she learned the technical aspects of fashion design, while her time at the University of Ibadan broadened her perspective and enhanced her communication skills.

During her university years, Opeyemi began developing her fashion design business, creating pieces that reflected her unique style and understanding of market demands. This period was crucial in building her confidence as an entrepreneur and establishing the work ethic that would later contribute to her success.

Her educational background demonstrates a commitment to formal training in her chosen field, setting her apart from many who enter the fashion industry without structured education. This foundation has proven valuable as she plans to expand her business following her BBNaija victory.

Fashion Design Career: Building a Brand Before Fame

Before stepping into the BBNaija spotlight, Opeyemi Ayanwale had already established herself as a talented fashion designer with a growing clientele. She runs a small but growing brand known for elegant and affordable designs, catering to young Nigerians who appreciate style without breaking the bank.

Her approach to fashion design focuses on creating pieces that are both trendy and accessible. She understood early on that many young people wanted fashionable clothing but couldn’t afford high-end designer prices, and she positioned her brand to fill this gap in the market.

The fashion brand she built showcased her eye for detail, understanding of current trends, and ability to translate her creative vision into wearable pieces. Her designs often incorporated elements of her Yoruba heritage, blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary fashion sensibilities.

Running a fashion business as a young entrepreneur taught Opeyemi valuable lessons about customer service, business management, and the importance of building a strong brand identity. These skills would later prove invaluable in managing her public image and planning for business expansion.

Her work in fashion design also connected her to the creative community in Lagos and Ibadan, building networks that would support her career development. She gained practical experience in everything from design conception to production, marketing, and customer relations.

Following her BBNaija win, she plans to expand her fashion business nationwide, leveraging her newfound fame and resources to take her brand to the next level. This expansion represents a natural evolution of the foundation she built before entering the reality show.

Big Brother Naija Journey: From Contestant to Champion

Entering the BBNaija House

Opeyemi entered the BBNaija house on Launch Night 1, July 26, 2025, as part of the highly anticipated Season 10, themed “10/10.” From the moment she introduced herself as Imisi, she made it clear that she was there to be authentically herself, with no filters or pretenses.

This year’s edition featured 29 contestants and spanned 10 weeks of intense competition, entertainment, and human drama, making it one of the most competitive seasons in the show’s history. Among the 15 female contestants, Imisi stood out with her bold personality and genuine approach to relationships.

Her introduction to viewers showcased her confidence, humor, and the unique quality that would become her signature – constant narration of events happening around her. This trait, while occasionally perceived as annoying by some housemates, endeared her to viewers who appreciated her running commentary on house dynamics.

Standing Out in the Competition

Throughout the season, Imisi showcased multiple facets of her personality that resonated with viewers. Her witty humor, assertiveness, and emotional openness created a compelling character that people could relate to and root for. She wasn’t afraid to express her opinions, mediate conflicts, or show vulnerability when appropriate.

One of her strengths in the house was her ability to read situations and people with remarkable accuracy. She could sense tension, understand unspoken dynamics, and often helped diffuse difficult situations with her humor and straightforward communication style.

Her performance in sponsored tasks was exceptional, demonstrating her versatility and determination. Imisi bagged victories in several sponsored tasks from top brands like Guinness, Indomie, Munchit, Gordon, Terra, TravelBeta, and Lush Hair, showing that she wasn’t just about personality but could also deliver results when required.

Emotional Moments and Authenticity

What truly set Imisi apart was her willingness to be vulnerable and share personal struggles. During the show, Imisi shared a touching story about losing her baby at four months due to a toxic relationship, saying the experience taught her resilience and the importance of mental health.

This emotional disclosure revealed a depth to her character that went beyond entertainment. Viewers saw not just a contestant trying to win a prize, but a real person who had overcome significant trauma and was using the platform to heal and inspire others facing similar challenges.

She bravely shared personal struggles, including surviving rape at age 12 and experiencing a miscarriage in a past relationship, and her honesty struck a chord with viewers, earning her deep admiration and respect.

Her authenticity became her greatest asset. In a game where many contestants adopt personas or strategies, Imisi remained consistently herself, and viewers rewarded that authenticity with their votes and support.

Fan Support and “Ijoba 606”

Her fan base, known online as “Ijoba 606”, was among the most vocal and coordinated this season, playing a key role in her victory. The dedication of her supporters demonstrated the strong connection she had built with viewers through her authentic presence in the house.

Her fans organized voting campaigns, created social media content supporting her, and consistently defended her against criticism. This grassroots support proved crucial in a competition where viewer votes determine the ultimate winner.

The Grand Victory

Imisi beat top contenders Dede (first runner-up) and Koyin (second runner-up) to clinch the title, becoming the fourth female and second-youngest BBNaija winner, after Ilebaye Odiniya, who won Season 8 at age 22.

The final moments of the competition showcased the journey she had been on – from an unknown fashion designer to a national sensation. Her victory represented not just personal triumph but also a win for authenticity, resilience, and the power of staying true to oneself.

At the grand finale, she was announced as the ultimate winner, taking home ₦80 million in cash and a total of ₦150 million worth of prizes, transforming her life overnight and opening doors to countless opportunities in entertainment and business.

Acting Career and Nollywood Aspirations

Beyond fashion design, Opeyemi Ayanwale has harbored dreams of becoming an actress, particularly in Yoruba cinema. She has expressed interest in acting, revealing her plans to explore opportunities in Nollywood, Nigeria’s vibrant film industry.

Her natural screen presence and expressive personality, which millions witnessed during her time on BBNaija, make her a natural fit for acting. She possesses the ability to convey emotions authentically, engage audiences, and bring characters to life – all essential qualities for successful acting.

Her fashion design work and playing parts in Yoruba films have established a solid foundation, and her involvement on BBNaija is expected to launch her further into the entertainment scene. Before BBNaija, she had already begun taking small roles in Yoruba productions, gaining experience and building her acting skills.

She has received support from Nollywood actress Bolaji Ogunmola, who complimented her resilience and development while asking fans not to underestimate her. This endorsement from an established actress signals that industry insiders recognize her potential and are willing to support her transition into acting.

Her BBNaija platform has significantly enhanced her prospects in Nollywood. Producers and directors are now aware of her ability to captivate audiences, and the massive following she gained from the show represents built-in audience support for any projects she takes on.

Looking ahead, Opeyemi plans to pursue acting roles that allow her to showcase her range and connect with audiences in meaningful ways. Her goal is to become a respected actress known for both her talent and her authenticity, much like the personality she displayed on BBNaija.

Personal Life: Relationship Status and Life After Trauma

Imisi disclosed that she is not in a relationship, saying she is currently focused on “healing, purpose, and building a legacy” rather than pursuing romance. This decision reflects her commitment to personal growth and prioritizing her mental health and career development.

The 23-year-old revealed that she is single and healing from her past relationship, choosing to focus on personal growth and self-love. Her openness about this journey has inspired many young people facing similar challenges to prioritize their well-being over societal pressure to be in relationships.

The trauma from her past toxic relationship had profound effects on her life. She lost her child at four months old, attributing the tragic loss to the mental stress and emotional turmoil she endured in a toxic relationship, saying “I was always crying and dealing with mental stress”.

This experience taught her valuable lessons about the importance of choosing healthy relationships and recognizing red flags early. She has become an advocate for women’s mental health and the need to leave toxic situations before they cause irreparable harm.

As a fervent Christian, she navigates life with faith and resilience, and is known for her forceful nature, valuing honesty and using her natural ability to relieve tension with comedy and smart criticism. Her faith has been a anchor during difficult times and continues to guide her decisions.

In the BBNaija house, she demonstrated emotional maturity in handling relationships and conflicts. She maintained friendships without getting entangled in romantic complications, staying focused on her goals and personal healing journey.

Looking forward, Opeyemi has expressed that when she does eventually pursue romance, she prioritizes emotional depth, trust, and genuine connections over superficial attractions. Her experiences have shaped her understanding of what she needs in a partner and what healthy relationships should look like.

Career Timeline & Major Milestones

Net Worth and Financial Profile

Opeyemi Ayanwale’s net worth has seen a dramatic transformation following her BBNaija victory. Before entering the house, Imisi was a fashion designer and reality TV star with an estimated net worth of USD 5,000, with her primary sources of income being her fashion design ventures and her developing acting career.

However, her financial situation changed significantly with her BBNaija win. She took home ₦80 million in cash and a total of ₦150 million worth of prizes, instantly transforming her from a struggling entrepreneur to a millionaire overnight.

Current estimates place her net worth between $80,000 and $150,000 (approximately ₦120 million – ₦225 million), though this figure is expected to grow substantially in the coming months as she secures endorsement deals and expands her business ventures.

Her income sources now include multiple streams. The immediate cash prize provides capital for business expansion and investments. The prize package includes various awards from sponsors that add substantial value beyond the cash component.

Post-BBNaija, she can command significant fees for appearances, endorsements, and brand ambassadorships. Companies are eager to associate with BBNaija winners due to their massive following and influence, especially among young Nigerians.

Her fashion design business is positioned for exponential growth. With her newfound fame and financial resources, she plans to expand nationwide, potentially opening physical stores and scaling production to meet increased demand from her enlarged customer base.

Future income streams will likely include acting fees from Nollywood productions, social media monetization through sponsored posts and brand partnerships, and potentially launching additional business ventures in fashion or other industries.

Industry observers predict that within the next year, Opeyemi’s net worth could easily exceed $500,000 as she capitalizes on her BBNaija platform, making her one of the most financially successful recent winners of the show.

Public Image and Social Media Presence

Since winning BBNaija Season 10, Opeyemi Ayanwale has become one of Nigeria’s most talked-about young celebrities. Her public image centers on authenticity, resilience, and relatability – qualities that endeared her to millions of viewers during the competition.

On social media, she maintains an active presence where she shares style inspiration, motivational content, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her life as a new celebrity. Her Instagram account has seen explosive growth, with hundreds of thousands of followers eager to keep up with her post-BBNaija journey.

Her approach to social media reflects the same authenticity she displayed in the BBNaija house. Rather than curating a perfect image, she shares both triumphs and challenges, maintaining the genuine connection with fans that helped her win the competition.

Fans can follow her journey on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, where she frequently posts style tips, motivational quotes, and behind-the-scenes moments from her new celebrity lifestyle.

Her social media strategy balances personal content with brand partnerships and promotional activities. She understands that her followers appreciate her realness, so she avoids over-commercializing her platforms while still leveraging opportunities for income generation.

The “Ijoba 606” fan community remains highly engaged, defending her against criticism and celebrating her successes. This dedicated fan base provides organic amplification of her content and creates a protective buffer against the inevitable negativity that comes with fame.

Public perception of Opeyemi is overwhelmingly positive, with many viewing her as an inspiration for young Nigerians pursuing their dreams. Her story of going from relative obscurity to winning the biggest reality show in Africa resonates with people who see their own aspirations reflected in her journey.

Legacy and Impact on Nigerian Entertainment

At just 23 years old, Opeyemi Ayanwale has already made a significant impact on Nigerian entertainment and popular culture. Her BBNaija victory represents more than personal success – it signals important trends in what Nigerian audiences value and celebrate.

Her win validated the power of authenticity in an industry often criticized for rewarding superficiality. By staying true to herself throughout the competition, she demonstrated that audiences respond to genuine personalities who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable and real.

From an unknown designer to a national sensation, Imisi’s rise through the show embodies determination and grace, and her triumph closes the decade-long run of Big Brother Naija on a high note, celebrating authenticity, resilience, and youth empowerment.

Her openness about mental health, trauma, and healing has contributed to important conversations in Nigeria about these often-stigmatized topics. By sharing her story of surviving abuse and losing a pregnancy, she helped normalize discussions about experiences that many women face but rarely speak about publicly.

Her blend of humor, honesty, and confidence made her one of the most entertaining housemates of the season, and her playful energy and emotional maturity helped her connect with both housemates and viewers.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly young women in fashion and creative industries, Opeyemi serves as proof that it’s possible to build a business from scratch and use platforms like BBNaija to accelerate growth. Her planned business expansion will be closely watched as a case study in post-reality TV entrepreneurship.

She becomes the fourth female and second-youngest BBNaija winner, contributing to the growing representation of successful young women in Nigerian entertainment and inspiring the next generation of female entrepreneurs and entertainers.

Future Plans and Career Aspirations

Looking ahead, Opeyemi Ayanwale has ambitious plans that leverage her BBNaija platform while staying true to her passions in fashion and entertainment. Her immediate priority is expanding her fashion design business to reach customers across Nigeria, transforming it from a small operation into a recognized national brand.

She plans to expand her fashion business nationwide following her win, using both the financial resources from her prize and her enhanced visibility to scale operations. This expansion may include opening physical stores, launching an e-commerce platform, and potentially exploring international markets.

In acting, she aims to move from small roles in Yoruba films to more prominent parts in major Nollywood productions. Her natural screen presence and the acting experience she gained before BBNaija provide a foundation, while her fame opens doors to opportunities with established directors and production companies.

There are rumours about her collaborating with Nigerian fashion icons and possibly debuting in Nollywood in 2026, suggesting that concrete opportunities are already materializing in the wake of her BBNaija victory.

Beyond business and entertainment, Opeyemi has expressed interest in using her platform for advocacy work, particularly around mental health awareness and women’s empowerment. Her own experiences with trauma and healing position her to speak credibly on these issues and inspire others facing similar challenges.

She plans to maintain the authenticity that won her the BBNaija crown, avoiding the pitfalls that have derailed other reality TV winners who lost connection with their original fan base. By staying grounded and remembering her roots, she aims to build a lasting career rather than experiencing brief fame.

Long-term, Opeyemi envisions becoming a multifaceted entrepreneur and entertainer with interests in fashion, film, and possibly other industries. She wants to be remembered not just as a BBNaija winner, but as someone who used that platform as a launching pad for meaningful contributions to Nigerian creative industries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How old is Opeyemi Ayanwale (Imisi)?

Opeyemi Ayanwale was born on January 24, 2002, making her 23 years old as of 2025, which makes her one of the youngest winners in BBNaija history.

2. What is Opeyemi Ayanwale’s net worth after winning BBNaija?

Opeyemi won ₦80 million in cash and a total prize package worth ₦150 million, bringing her estimated net worth to between $80,000 and $150,000, with potential for significant growth through endorsements and business expansion.

3. Is Opeyemi Ayanwale (Imisi) married or in a relationship?

Imisi is not in a relationship and is currently focused on “healing, purpose, and building a legacy” rather than pursuing romance, choosing to prioritize personal growth after past trauma.

4. Where is Opeyemi Ayanwale from?

Imisi hails from Oyo State and proudly showcased her Yoruba heritage throughout the BBNaija show through use of Yoruba expressions, traditional attire, and cultural references.

5. What does Opeyemi Ayanwale do for a living?

Opeyemi is a fashion designer who runs a brand known for elegant and affordable designs, and is also an aspiring actress with plans to pursue opportunities in Nollywood.

6. What is the meaning of “Imisi”?

Imisi is a Yoruba word meaning “inspiration” or “breath,” which perfectly captures her vibrant personality and the inspirational impact she has had on viewers and fans.

7. Who are Opeyemi Ayanwale’s parents?

Opeyemi was raised by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ayanwale, though specific details about their identities and professions remain private as she maintains discretion about her family’s personal information.

8. When did Opeyemi Ayanwale win Big Brother Naija?

Opeyemi won Big Brother Naija Season 10 in October 2025, with her victory announced during the live finale on Sunday night, marking the culmination of 10 weeks of intense competition.

9. What education does Opeyemi Ayanwale have?

She pursued her passion for fashion design at Yaba College of Technology, where she received an Ordinary National Diploma, and also earned a degree from the University of Ibadan.

10. What challenges has Opeyemi Ayanwale overcome?

Opeyemi shared that she lost her baby at four months due to a toxic relationship, and the experience taught her resilience and the importance of mental health, demonstrating remarkable strength in overcoming personal trauma.