Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma Otabor, widely known as Phyna, has responded strongly to critics who questioned her decision to undergo cosmetic surgery months after losing her sister.
Speaking during an Instagram livestream on Saturday, the reality star described many Nigerians as hypocritical while addressing the backlash trailing her recent Brazilian Butt Lift and 360 liposuction procedure.
Phyna had earlier shared a post-surgery video that quickly gained traction online, captioning it: “Finally did it. No regrets.”
Reacting to criticism that her decision showed insensitivity following the death of her sister, Ruth Otabor, she maintained that her mourning process is private and not for public display.
“I just woke up, but I want to quickly come and address something. Sorry, I have to say most Nigerians are hypocrites. And I have a lot of miserable people in my comment section,” she said.
Phyna stressed that although she deeply feels the loss, she chooses not to grieve publicly.
“I don’t grieve my sister online. She will always remain in my heart. But one thing people will never see is me come online to cry and post that I miss my sister,” she said.
Phyna also cautioned critics against bringing her late sister into online debates.
“Don’t try to bring my sister’s death into this. I lost a sister. I lost one of my favourite siblings. And it is none of your damn business,” she said.
Ms Otabor died on August 31, 2025, following complications from injuries sustained in a road accident on August 13 involving a Dangote truck near Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State.
Defending her family’s approach to grief, Phyna explained that life resumed shortly after her sister’s burial on August 31.
“People will bury and move on the next day. They moved on on the 1st. Like, they don’t stop living,” she said, urging others to respect her own way of coping.
The reality TV star also dismissed allegations circulating online, including claims by social commentator VeryDarkMan that she received ₦1 billion from the Dangote Group in connection with her sister’s death.
“When a person says they gave me one billion, I did not do the BBL for that. I just don’t want to address it, but I keep seeing it in my feed and it is disgusting,” she said.
On her decision to undergo the procedure and her intention to showcase the results, Phyna remained unapologetic.
“I have been learning how to catwalk. I got new outfits that will show my breasts, my tummy, everything. People should use all their weapons now. Small, small. I am coming,” she said.
Phyna added that online criticism of her body played a role in her decision.
“Thank you for dragging the stomach. Thank you so much. And now I actually like it,” she said.
