Kellyrae Wins BBNaija season 9.

After what felt like a long wait, Ebuka finally revealed that Kellyrae, the married contestant, had emerged as the winner BBNaija season 9.

Kellyrae secured his victory with 35.95% of the votes, while the runner-up, Wanni, garnered 32.48%. The professional singer from Delta State will be taking home prizes worth N100M, which include N60 million in cash and a brand new SUV.

His calculated gameplay contributed significantly to his success. In a season where housemates participated in pairs, Kellyrae teamed up with his wife, Kassia, forming the first-ever married duo to compete on the show. Although previous married individuals, like Mike Edwards, had come close, Kellyrae’s victory marks the first time a married contestant has won the show.

Having tied the knot just seven months before entering the BBNaija house, many Nigerians speculated that their marriage—despite being an 11-year relationship—wouldn’t survive the show’s pressures. Predictions leaned heavily toward the couple being among the first duos evicted because of their marital status.

However, in a few weeks, the very factor that people thought would hinder them turned into their greatest advantage. Kellyrae and Kassia strategically concealed their marriage, allowing them to connect with other housemates without being seen as a “power couple.” This plot twist made for one of the most memorable moments of the season. Kassia, even received romantic advances from fellow contestant Toby Forge, which she gracefully handled while setting clear boundaries.

Although there were suspicions among the housemates, none could confirm the couple’s marital status, thanks to their meticulous planning.

When host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu asked Kellyrae why they kept their marriage a secret, he explained that he wanted other contestants to feel comfortable around them and not see them as a target because of their relationship. He also expressed a preference for winning the prize money himself, rather than his wife.

Throughout the season, Kellyrae and Kassia avoided the bottom of the voting polls as a pair. When the game shifted to an individual competition, their fanbase continued to rally behind them. In the lead-up to the finals, their management chose not to campaign for Kassia to ensure Kellyrae had a better shot at winning. Their strategy paid off.

From heartwarming moments to intense disagreements, their personalities, skills, and free-spirited nature endeared them to both the audience and their fellow housemates.

Unlike previous seasons where the winner was easier to predict, this year’s competition was one of the closest, as reflected in the voting percentages. Nevertheless, on Sunday, October 6, 2024, Kellyrae was declared the winner, officially joining the BBNaija Winners’ Hall of Fame and taking home the N60 million cash prize.

Following his victory, social media was flooded with reactions. While many celebrated his achievement, others questioned whether he truly deserved the win.