Media personality and Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma Otabor, widely known as Phyna, has responded to criticism surrounding her recent cosmetic procedures following the death of her sister, Ruth Otabor.
Speaking during an Instagram livestream on Saturday, the reality TV star addressed comments questioning the timing of her Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and 360 liposuction, carried out months after her sister’s passing.
Phyna argued that many of her critics were being unfair and intrusive, stressing that she had already mourned privately and does not owe the public a display of her grief.
She maintained that mourning is deeply personal and should not be dictated by societal expectations or online commentary.
The TV star also cautioned against bringing her late sister into the debate, stating that her loss remains a private matter. According to her, grieving does not have to be performed publicly to be valid.
Phyna further defended her family’s decision to resume normal activities shortly after the burial, noting that life continues even after loss.
Addressing another controversy, she dismissed claims that she received N1 billion from the Dangote Group in connection with the accident that led to her sister’s death. She described the allegation as false and expressed frustration over its continued circulation online.
Unapologetic about her decision to undergo surgery, Phyna said she was partly motivated by criticism of her body on social media. She added that she is confident about her new look and intends to embrace it publicly.
Ruth Otabor died on August 31, 2025, following injuries sustained in a road accident involving a truck linked to the Dangote Group. The incident sparked widespread reactions and led to a public dispute between Phyna and social commentator VeryDarkMan over how the matter was handled.
Despite ongoing scrutiny, Phyna insists she will continue to live life on her own terms, away from public expectations of how she should grieve or present herself.
