Former Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) All Stars housemate Seyi Awolowo has ignited a firestorm of controversy with scathing remarks about the show’s fans and producers during a recent interview, vowing never to return to the reality TV franchise.
In a candid and unfiltered clip that went viral on social media platforms late Friday, the 34-year-old actor and entrepreneur, grandson of legendary Nigerian statesman Obafemi Awolowo, dismissed BBNaija enthusiasts as “uneducated and insignificant people.” Awolowo, who competed in the 2023 All Stars edition and finished as a runner-up, expressed deep regret over his participation, stating emphatically, “I will never go back to the show. Multichoice can’t even call me.”
The interview, shared widely by entertainment outlet Metro Naija on X (formerly Twitter), captured Awolowo’s frustration with the show’s fanbase, whom he accused of lacking depth and contributing to a toxic environment. “These are uneducated and insignificant people who don’t understand the value of real talent or growth,” he said, reflecting on the intense scrutiny and backlash he faced post-show, including widespread criticism for past controversial statements on gender roles that drew condemnation from groups like the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.
Awolowo’s comments come nearly two years after his BBNaija stint, where he was both celebrated for his charisma and vilified for remarks perceived as misogynistic, such as boasting about setting up a “shina” (slang for sexual exploits) account for his son. Those incidents led to public apologies and debates about accountability in entertainment. In this latest outburst, he appears to channel lingering resentment toward the very audience that propelled him to fame, amassing over 375 likes and thousands of views on the original post within hours.
The backlash was swift and fierce on social media, with fans and netizens accusing Awolowo of elitism and biting the hand that fed his post-BBNaija career boost. “Seyi just called the people who voted for him ‘insignificant’? The irony from someone who needed their votes to stay in the house,” one user tweeted, echoing sentiments from dozens of replies branding him as “arrogant” and “out of touch.” Others defended him, arguing his words were taken out of context amid ongoing frustrations with reality TV’s “toxic fandoms.”
MultiChoice, the parent company of BBNaija, has yet to respond officially to Awolowo’s rejection of future collaborations. The company has previously highlighted the show’s economic impact, including creating over 1,200 jobs per season and injecting billions of naira into the economy. However, Awolowo’s remarks could strain relations, especially as BBNaija Season 10 heats up with its own roster of dramatic housemates and fan wars.
This isn’t Awolowo’s first brush with controversy since leaving the house. In a July 2024 interview on #WithChude, he opened up about the pressures of his family legacy and how BBNaija initially helped overcome doubters in his career. Yet, his latest interview suggests a full pivot away from the franchise that once defined his public persona.
As the clip continues to trend under hashtags like #SeyiAwolowo and #BBNaija, it underscores the enduring divide between reality TV stars and their supporters. For Awolowo, who has since focused on acting and entrepreneurship, this could mark the end of any reconciliation with the BBNaija world—or fuel for his next chapter.
Follow updates on this story as reactions pour in.