Undoubtedly, Big Brother Naija is the most talked-about reality television show in Nigeria right now. The show is not only as controversial as its housemates, but the name Big Brother itself serves some major ‘pepper.’ Despite its controversies, one cannot deny the fact that it has been a source of entertainment for Nigerians, a worthy break from unending national issues and pure content for writers. Today, the curtain will finally draw on the show that has made celebrities out if its housemates but only one (wo)man will emerge winner and own all the bragging rights.
Who deserves to be crowned the winner out of the last five housemates standing?
Mike Edwards, the Man of the People

Nigerian married men need to feel indebted to Mike for not allowing himself to be used to score cheap points on social media. The British based half-Jamaican, half-Nigerian married Mike was a disaster waiting to happen, things could have gone wrong for Mike in every possible way. He is the only married man in the house, there is patriarchy, which is already a sore issue on social media, with feminists, who are waiting for the perfect moment to strike. He was in a precarious situation but Mike somehow managed the situation well and came out a king.
He did not alone win the love of married people, he also won the love of the singles who wish for a man like Mike and he also won the admiration of his fellow housemates. This love was replicated in the way people continued to save him every time he was up for eviction. The King of Cruisetopia, Mike is attentive and supportive of his fellow housemates. He has this happy vibe around him and always cheers them up.
The only thing with Mike winning is that we may likely have an absentee winner like Miracle. Mike is based in the United Kingdom, he has a family already, his Aireyys Cigar company is there, so it does not seem like Nigeria fits into his ready-made life but if there’s anything Mike is known for, he is considerate, so he may already have a plan. Sunday may see Mike crowned the winner of the show.
“Merciless” Mercy Eke

Controversial, daring, and fashionista—do not fully describe Mercy Eke, the last woman standing in the Big Brother Naija house. Mercy served us entertainment—what part of Mercy were you looking for that you didn’t get in the past 3 months? The lover girl Mercy? The best friend Mercy? The video vixen Mercy? The emotional Mercy? The battle-ready Mercy? The strip-tease Mercy? Mercy was all that and even more.
Even though Mercy was sure of her strength in a way, she never left anything to chance. She secured her place in the finals by going into business with Biggie, using her Bet Naija coins to buy her a spot. A wise move it has turned out to be.
Mercy is already a winner as she is the last lady standing but if she eventually emerges eventually overall winner, Mercy may be stereotypical to what anti-Big Brother Naija audience think the show is all about. On the surface, Mercy seems not to have more to offer than a video-vixen body and her dress sense but on the other hand, Mercy has proven herself to be a smart businesswoman by making smart choices. Mercy and Tacha’s issue may have destroyed Mercy’s chance of winning, so she is likely to be the first runner up.
“Intellectual” Seyi Awolowo

Come what may, Dr. Seyi Awolowo is already a winner. Seyi is handsome, articulate and intelligent. He is a grandson to one of Nigerian Iconic figures, Obafemi Awolowo. Seyi is a bundle of talent and he does amazing things with his voice. Seyi has several accents, he mimics well, a brilliant content curator, a good narrator, storyteller, actor, the list is unending.
No matter what your feelings are for Seyi, you can’t be blind to what Seyi embodies. He attempts to be fair always, he once gave up his first veto power. He loves the kitchen and does not shy away from doing kitchen chores. He tries to be diplomatic at all times but sometimes, his feelings get in the way. So he doesn’t exactly have a clean sheet in the BBN house.
Seyi seems to possess all the traits of a winner. He has the dream of one Nigeria. He is also a strong contender for the prize but he may have unwittingly said some things that may destroy his chances at winning. Like when he talked about Thelma’s siblings. Seyi has the support of intellectuals which may count as something, so he would likely end up being the second runner-up.
“Fresh and Odd” Frodd

The fresh and odd Chemeka Okoye didn’t seem destined to be in the top 5 if Twitter trends were anything to follow. Yet, if there’s one person that has enjoyed surprising favour in that house, it’s Frodd; the Ultimate Veto Power he won is a testament to that fact.
The first part of Frodd we saw was the emotional Frodd—the one that cried when his love interest, Esther rejected his advances. The one that allegedly washed Esther’s underwear but the budding “showmance” was brought to an abrupt end when Esther was evicted from the show. In the latter days, Frodd proved that he possesses the traits of a winner. Frodd is multi-talented and would be a blessing to Nollywood if he ever decides to leave fashion design for the entertainment industry.
Although, Frodd seems more like an underdog and underdogs know how to pull the greatest surprise but the episode with Esther left a mark on what could have otherwise been a glowing CV. Frodd has shown his strength and that’s more than convincing. Well, Frodd has a strong fanbase too, but the top 5 are also strong contenders, Frodd may see himself sitting in the fourth place which isn’t bad for an underdog.
Omashola Oburoh

In the beginning, you may miss everything on Big Brother Naija, but Omashola’s diary session was a must-watch. It was truthful, it was raw, it was funny. His diary session distinguished him from the other housemates early and made him a strong contender.
Toeing the path of one of the past winners, Efe, Omashola played the “Warri card” and whether it has endeared him to viewers, we will find out later today. Omashola served entertainment even though he is verbose, and that is one of his shortcomings he has talked about.
Omashola has a lovable personality. He is not new to entertainment; he is a model, manages a club but he’s based in South Africa. Omashola may likely relocate if he emerges the winner. Despite Davido’s backing of Omashola on Friday, Omashola is likely to be the first to be evicted come Sunday.
There you go, your summary of the last five standing on Big Brother Naija Pepper Dem Season Four. Who are you supporting? Who do you think will wear the crown tonight? What can we say? May the best (wo)man win!
Written by Kemi Okunade.