INTERVIEW: BBNaija’s Ilebaye reveals how Beauty’s disqualification led to her eviction

Like other BBNaija season seven housemates, Ilebaye aimed to clinch the show’s N100 million grand prize. But that didn’t happen. The 21-year-old was evicted from the show last Sunday alongside Khalid after securing the lowest votes for the week.

In this interview with TheCable Lifestyle’s MUHIBAT SULAIMON, the criminology graduate talks about her time on the show, her clash with Beauty, eviction, and future plans.

TheCable Lifestyle: Can you briefly introduce yourself?

Ilebaye: My name is Odiniya Ilebaye, I’m 21 years old. I’m from Kogi state, Igala by tribe. I’m from a family of seven.

I’m a graduate of criminology and security study from Salem University, Lokoja. I love to swim and make money.

TheCable Lifestyle: What prompted you to audition for the show?

Ilebaye: It was my best friend that told me to go for it because at that period I wasn’t really myself.

So, I had to just audition for it because BBNaija is a life-changing platform, just wanted to change my life, start afresh, and start something different from my previous life. Nothing serious; just wanted to get the money, live my life and have fun.

TheCable Lifestyle: How would you describe your stay in the house?

Ilebaye: It was fun. I was myself, nonchalant, and blunt and I was just a typical gen Z.

TheCable Lifestyle: Since you have been out of the BBNaija house, how has been the reception?

Ilebaye: I haven’t really been out, I have just been going for media rounds. So, I don’t really know for now.

TheCable Lifestyle: During your stay in the house, you weren’t really in a relationship with any male housemate. Was that a strategy or you weren’t just attracted to anyone?

Ilebaye: It wasn’t a strategy, I was just not attracted to anyone.

TheCable Lifestyle: Due to your clash with several housemates, fans have commented on your temperament. What is your thought about this?

Ilebaye: I’m not temperamental. Though before I get angry easily but I worked on it already and I’m done. I won’t say I was temperamental because I don’t get angry easily except a person goes above the bar.

I was just being blunt and the housemates I clashed with took it for being what they thought I’m.

TheCable Lifestyle: Is anything brewing between you and Bryann, how would you describe your relationship with him?

Ilebaye: There is nothing between the both of us. I can actually refer to him as my friend.

TheCable Lifestyle: Who are the housemates you consider your friend?

Ilebaye: Beauty, Bryann, and Groovy. I liked and vibed with Phyna but we didn’t really share a bond.

I genuinely would also want to pursue my friendship with Beauty despite our clash. Because I don’t hold anything against her and I still love her.

TheCable Lifestyle: What do you think about HOH immunity?

Ilebaye: To me, I didn’t expect that. At first, I didn’t really like it but then, who am I to Biggie rules or tell him what to do? So, I felt Biggie’s house, Biggie’s rules, and one has to live with them.

TheCable Lifestyle: Why do you think was responsible for your early eviction?

Ilebaye: I think because I lost some fans because I heard my account got disabled. I also think I lost some fans due to the disqualification of Beauty because most people dislike me, find me annoying, and see me as the reason she was disqualified.

According to some of what I have heard, obviously, people are pissed that I’m the reason for her first strike which resulted in her disqualification.

TheCable Lifestyle: If you have the opportunity to go back to the house, is there something you would do better?

Ilebaye: I think I would be myself and add more strength to the tasks, and HoH game, and I won’t be reluctant. I will also have more fun. I will use the opportunity and time better without waiting for the next day to come.

TheCable Lifestyle: What are your plans after BBNaija?

Ilebaye: First, I would like to think about what Ilebaye really wants. I want to start building my empire from now. Want to have my own orphanage home and cater to the less privileged. I want to put a smile on people’s faces.

I want to push my acting, modelling career with several brands.

TheCable Lifestyle: Who are you rooting for this season?

Ilebaye: I have people I care about. So I’m rooting for Chomzy, Phyna, Dotun, Doyin, Bryann, Amaka. So if any of them win I will be happy and glad.

TheCable Lifestyle: What would you miss about Big Brother’s house?

Ilebaye: It isn’t possible to miss only one thing about the house. I will miss the diary session, where I pour out my mind to someone I can’t see.

I will miss waking up to do exercise, eating, and sitting comfortably in Biggie’s house, tasks. I will actually miss every single thing in the house.

TheCable Lifestyle: Any message to your fans?

Ilebaye: Always believe in yourself, stay strong, and don’t let anyone break your confidence. Be confident, know what you want, and focus.