My Whole Plan Crashed After Ebuka Called Me ‘Awolowo’ – Seyi Awolowo

Former Big Brother Naija reality star, Seyi Awolowo, has disclosed that he deliberately tried to conceal his famous family background during the audition process for the 2019 edition of the reality show, explaining that he wanted to be evaluated solely on his personality and abilities rather than his surname.

According to Ireporter Online, Seyi made the revelation while speaking during an interview on The Nigeria Meter Podcast, where he reflected on his journey into the BBNaija house.

The grandson of late Nigerian nationalist and statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, said his intention was to enter the competition as simply “Seyi,” without fellow contestants knowing about his prominent family lineage. However, that strategy fell apart during the live unveiling when the show’s host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, announced his full name on stage before his entry into the house.

Seyi explained that once his surname was mentioned, every contestant immediately became aware of his background, eliminating the anonymity he had hoped to maintain throughout the competition.

He noted that he wanted housemates to interact with him without preconceived notions or expectations associated with the Awolowo name, stressing that he preferred to earn recognition based on his own character and performance.

The former housemate also dismissed suggestions that his family name gave him an advantage during the selection process, insisting he went through the same rigorous audition as every other contestant. He recalled standing in line for the audition and only receiving his golden ticket around 3 a.m. on February 3, adding that he attended the audition alongside a friend, while one of his stepbrothers arrived too late to participate successfully.