After ten weeks of intense drama, strategic gameplay, and competitive tasks, Kingsley ‘Kellyrae’ Sule emerged as the winner of Big Brother Naija’s ninth season.
The finale, held on Sunday, October 6, 2024, saw Kellyrae’s victory over Wanni Danbaki, who came in second, trailing by a narrow 3.47% vote margin. Onyeka secured the third position as the second runner-up.
Hailing from Delta State, Kellyrae, a professional singer, clinched the grand prize valued at N100 million. This package includes a cash reward of N60 million and a brand-new SUV, among other sponsored prizes. His win was sealed with an impressive 35.95% of the total votes, a testament to his strong fanbase and the effectiveness of his strategy throughout the season.
This victory is particularly significant, as Kellyrae participated in the competition alongside his wife, Kassia, marking the first time a married couple has competed together in BBNaija history. Although previous seasons have featured married individuals, such as Mike Edwards, none had achieved the ultimate win until now.
Married just seven months before the show’s start, Kellyrae and Kassia faced significant public scrutiny, with many fans and attackers alike predicting that their marriage, in its early stages, might not withstand the pressures of the show.
Despite having been together for eleven years, the couple’s decision to enter the competition as a pair initially sparked skepticism. If a poll had been conducted at the start of the season to predict their fate, many would have bet that the “DoubleKay” duo, due to their marital status, would be among the first to face eviction.
However, in a surprising twist, what many thought would be a disadvantage became their greatest strength. Kellyrae and Kassia’s strategy to conceal their marital status from their fellow housemates turned out to be one of the most unexpected and effective moves of the season.
They successfully kept their marriage a secret, relating with other housemates and forming relationships without appearing overly attached to each other. This allowed them to integrate seamlessly into the house’s dynamics, making alliances and friends without raising suspicion.
One of the most remarkable moments happened when Toby Forge, an evicted housemate, openly professed his feelings for Kassia. She tactfully entertained his advances while maintaining boundaries, ensuring she and Kellyrae’s secret remained undiscovered.
Although some housemates suspected their involvement, no one could confirm their suspicions, and the couple skillfully kept their secret hidden.
During one of the live shows, BBNaija host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu asked Kellyrae why he and Kassia had chosen to keep their marriage a secret.
However, Kellyrae clarified that they wanted everyone to feel comfortable around them and avoid becoming targets simply for being a couple.
This approach, which aimed to foster open and genuine interactions with other contestants, proved to be successful. From the first eviction show to the final stages, the “DoubleKay” duo never ranked at the bottom of the voting polls. Even when the competition shifted to individual gameplay, their strong fanbase continued to rally behind both of them.
As the season progressed and it became clear that the finale would be a showdown between individuals, the DoubleKay team made a calculated decision not to campaign for Kassia.
By focusing their efforts on Kellyrae, they aimed to avoid splitting votes and increase his chances of winning the grand prize for both of them.
This sacrifice finally paid off, as Kellyrae was crowned the winner, bringing pride not only to himself but also to his wife and their loyal supporters.
Throughout the season, Kellyrae and Kassia’s bond, combined with their individual personalities and talents, endeared them to audiences.
Viewers and fans witnessed their romantic moments, occasional disagreements, and the couple’s overall free-spiritedness, which added depth to their narrative and made them relatable. Their story became a focal point for the season, with fans celebrating their dynamic as both individuals and a couple.
Unlike previous seasons, where the outcome was often predictable, this edition was one of the most tightly contested in BBNaija history. The voting polls reflected the season’s unpredictability, with fans left guessing until the very end.
Nevertheless, on October 6, 2024, Kellyrae’s efforts, strategy, and genuine personality won him the ultimate prize, solidifying his place in the BBNaija Winners’ Hall of Fame.
