“Imisi Earned It Fair and Square” — Dede Shuts Down Delta Gov’s Aide’s Claim That She Was Robbed of BBNaija Crown

The first runner-up of Big Brother Naija All Stars, Dede, has finally broken her silence following claims made by an aide to the Delta State Governor that she was allegedly “robbed” of the show’s grand prize. The social media space went into a frenzy when the government official insinuated that the final result of the show was rigged in favor of the winner, Imisi, sparking heated debates among fans, celebrities, and political figures alike. But Dede, in her characteristic calm and poised manner, has now addressed the claims — and her statement has left many praising her maturity and sportsmanship.

Shortly after the finale aired, a special assistant to the Delta State Governor took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his dissatisfaction with the outcome, describing it as “a daylight robbery against Dede.” According to his post, Dede’s performance, consistency, and fanbase were enough to secure her the ₦150 million prize, and anything short of victory was “a miscarriage of fairness.” His tweet read, “We all saw the votes, the energy, the crowd support, and the performance. Dede carried this season. But somehow, she ended up second. Make it make sense. She was robbed, and we all know it.” The post, which quickly went viral, gained over 20,000 retweets and sparked an online war between Dede’s fans and Imisi’s supporters.

In the heat of the online drama, Dede took to her Instagram Live session to address the controversy. Looking relaxed but firm, she smiled before setting the record straight. “First of all, I want to say a big thank you to everyone who voted, supported, and believed in me. I’m forever grateful,” she began. “But I’ve seen the comments, I’ve read the posts, and I just need to say this — Imisi deserved the win. She worked hard for it, and I’m proud of her. Let’s not tear another woman down just because of a result we don’t agree with.”

Her statement immediately shifted the tone of the conversation across social media platforms. Many fans, who had initially been vocal about the alleged rigging, started commending her for her composure and grace. “This is why Dede will always win in life, crown or no crown,” one user commented on Instagram. Another wrote, “She’s showing the true definition of class. Not everything is about competition. She just earned more respect from Nigerians.”

Dede, who became a fan favorite during her stay in the house for her authenticity, humor, and leadership qualities, had one of the most remarkable runs in the season. From acing multiple tasks to forming genuine friendships, she was seen as one of the strongest contenders for the title. Even after the show ended, many had predicted that she would emerge as the winner, given her wide fan base and the love she commanded across social media. However, when the final votes revealed Imisi as the ultimate winner, social media exploded with mixed reactions.

While some fans celebrated Imisi’s victory, others were quick to suggest foul play. Screenshots of supposed “vote discrepancies” began circulating online, and hashtags like #JusticeForDede and #BBNRobbery trended for hours. Yet, in the midst of the storm, Dede’s calm response has been described as the “classiest clapback of the season.”

Political commentators also weighed in on the Delta aide’s remarks, questioning the need for government officials to interfere in entertainment outcomes. One political analyst wrote, “It’s quite disappointing that an aide to a sitting governor is busy dragging a reality TV show instead of focusing on governance. Dede handled this far better than the so-called public servant.”

Meanwhile, Imisi, who has remained relatively quiet since her win, took to her Instagram stories shortly after Dede’s statement to repost a clip of Dede’s live video with the caption, “Real recognize real. Thank you, sis. You’re a queen always.” The gesture melted hearts and further calmed the tensions between both fan bases, with many calling for unity and mutual respect between the two stars.

Sources close to the reality stars revealed that Dede and Imisi have actually maintained a cordial relationship since leaving the house. An insider shared, “They may have competed on screen, but off-camera, they’ve always respected each other. They even plan to collaborate on a women’s empowerment campaign soon. All this talk of rivalry is just fans projecting unnecessary drama.”

As for Dede, she seems to be moving on with grace and focus. Since the end of the show, she has reportedly secured several endorsement deals and brand collaborations. Her team confirmed that she recently signed a major beauty brand partnership worth millions of naira, with more in the pipeline. She has also hinted at launching her own fashion and lifestyle line, describing it as “a dream finally coming to life.”

In a recent interview with an entertainment magazine, Dede explained that her goal now is to use her platform to inspire young women. “BBN gave me visibility, but my real mission goes beyond fame,” she said. “I want to build something that will outlast the show — something that reminds young women that grace, hard work, and self-belief are the true wins in life.”

Her statement continues to make waves online, with thousands of fans praising her attitude as an example of emotional intelligence and maturity. Even some of Imisi’s fans have publicly acknowledged that Dede’s reaction has elevated her brand even further, with one comment reading, “She may have lost the crown, but she won the people’s hearts.”

Meanwhile, the aide to the Delta State Governor has since deleted his controversial post after facing backlash for involving politics in entertainment matters. In a follow-up tweet, he wrote, “I meant no disrespect to Imisi or the organizers. My emotions got the best of me. Dede is a daughter of Delta, and I was just proud of her. I apologize for any misunderstanding.” But by then, screenshots of the original tweet had already flooded the internet, cementing the controversy as one of the most talked-about moments in the show’s aftermath.

For many fans, Dede’s calm handling of the situation has once again proven why she remains one of the most loved contestants in the history of the show. Her ability to rise above pettiness, choose peace over noise, and give credit where it’s due has made her a role model for many young Nigerians. As one fan aptly put it on X, “Some people chase crowns; others carry grace. Dede carries grace effortlessly.”

With her growing influence, impeccable attitude, and undeniable charisma, Dede’s post-show journey looks nothing short of promising. Whether or not she took home the Big Brother Naija crown, one thing is certain — she’s already wearing one that can’t be taken away: the crown of grace, humility, and class.