Former Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate, Ifeyinwa Okafor, widely recognized by her stage name Ivatar, has opened up about her experiences during her time in the popular reality TV show, shedding light on the ways in which her appearance often led to misconceptions about her personality and behavior inside the house.
In a candid interview with Sunday Scoop, Ivatar shared that many viewers and even fellow housemates assumed she would be confrontational or prone to drama simply because of her tattoos and bold outward appearance. She explained that these assumptions were far from her true character, and she has often felt misunderstood because of the preconceived notions people attach to tattooed individuals.
“People have said that they expected more drama from me because of how I look, but I am naturally a very calm person. From the start, I made it clear that the stereotype people have about tattooed individuals doesn’t define me,” Ivatar explained. She emphasized that her calm demeanor is intrinsic to her personality, and despite outward appearances, she prioritizes thoughtfulness and intentional behavior over acting out for attention or entertainment purposes.
Ivatar described herself as “classy and intentional,” noting that while she enjoys fun and playful moments, this side of her is typically reserved for those she is close to. She reflected on her life as a mother to an 18-year-old, stating that motherhood has significantly influenced her choices and behavior, making her less inclined to engage in reckless actions simply to conform to public expectations or to entertain the Big Brother audience.
Clarifies relationship with Kaybobo
Addressing rumors surrounding a supposed romantic involvement with fellow housemate Kaybobo, Ivatar firmly debunked the claims. She revealed that a viral photo circulating on social media, which appeared to show them sharing a kiss, had been digitally manipulated and did not reflect reality. She stressed that her relationship with Kaybobo is purely platonic and based on shared interests and mutual respect within the house.
“I was shocked when I saw that picture. It never happened. Kaybobo and I are just friends. We connect because we share similar interests, but there is nothing romantic between us,” she clarified, putting an end to speculation and emphasizing her commitment to honesty regarding her personal relationships during the show.
Fallout with Mensan
Ivatar also spoke about her complicated dynamics with former close ally, Mensan. While they shared moments of camaraderie and fun in the house, she acknowledged that she may have made mistakes in how she navigated their friendship. She reflected on the importance of setting personal boundaries, even with housemates she felt a connection with, and how these choices impacted the evolution of their relationship during the show.
“Maybe I shouldn’t have pulled him into my corner because I felt he was lonely, like I was. We shared some fun moments, but I believe in setting boundaries, and I’ll always stick to that,” Ivatar admitted. Her statement highlights the challenges of maintaining genuine connections in the high-pressure environment of a reality TV house while staying true to one’s personal principles and values.
Life after eviction
Reflecting on her eviction, Ivatar noted that her journey in the Big Brother house offered valuable lessons about self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the rapid ways in which public perception can shape a narrative. She acknowledged that viewers often form opinions based on surface-level judgments, and she hopes her story encourages others to look beyond appearances when evaluating people’s true character.
Ivatar emphasized that her experiences have strengthened her resolve to maintain authenticity, establish clear boundaries, and approach relationships—both in the public eye and in private—with intentionality and integrity. Her reflections provide insight into the complexities of navigating fame, personal identity, and societal expectations in a high-profile reality TV environment, illustrating the delicate balance between personal authenticity and public perception.