By Ghazali Ibrahim
Temi Nkem has emerged as the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 11 after edging Aikou in a closely contested finale of the reality show’s “Show Ya Sef” edition.
Temi secured 25.87 per cent of the total votes cast by viewers across Nigeria and Africa, narrowly beating Aikou, who polled 23.68 per cent to finish as the first runner-up. Sheba came third with 9.80 per cent of the votes.
The 21-year-old was crowned during the live finale on Sunday, October 4, after 70 days inside the Big Brother house.
Her victory places her among the growing number of female housemates who have claimed the BBNaija crown, making her the fifth female winner in the history of the reality show.
Temi, whose real name is Temitope Chigbue, was born and raised in London and has Nigerian roots. She entered the competition as one of 24 housemates at the start of the season on July 26.
Throughout the competition, she attracted attention for her outspoken personality, confidence and willingness to express herself, becoming one of the season’s most recognisable housemates.
Her route to the finale included several dramatic moments, including a fake eviction, the BB Bucks controversy and a much-discussed kiss with fellow housemate Tram.
The finale gradually reduced the finalists before the last three were left standing: Temi, Aikou and Sheba. Bluethopia finished as the third runner-up.
Temi’s victory comes with a prize package valued at ₦160 million, including ₦90 million in cash, a brand-new SUV and other sponsored prizes. The cash component was reduced from the original ₦100 million after ₦10 million was allocated to the season’s Most Influential Player of the Week prize fund.
With the final vote separating her from Aikou by just 2.19 percentage points, Temi’s victory capped one of the closest finishes of the “Show Ya Sef” season.
