Media personality and Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma Otabor, known as Phyna, has spoken out against public criticism following her recent Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and 360 Lipo surgery, which she underwent months after the tragic death of her sister, Ruth Otabor. In a direct and emotional Instagram livestream on Saturday, Phyna addressed the backlash, calling out what she described as hypocrisy among some Nigerians who judge her personal choices. She emphasized that her grief over her sister’s passing was private and that she does not feel obligated to perform sorrow for public consumption.
Phyna made it clear that she does not mourn her sister online, stating that Ruth will always remain in her heart. She warned critics against dragging her sister’s death into the controversy surrounding her surgery. “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 firmly. She also defended her family’s decision to resume normal life shortly after Ruth’s burial, noting that people often move on quickly after loss. “People will bury and move on the next day. They moved on on the 1st. Like, they don’t stop living,” she added.
The media personality also denied claims that she received N1 billion from the Dangote Group in connection with her sister’s death, calling such allegations false and misleading. “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. Phyna stressed that her decision to undergo surgery was personal and driven by her desire to address online criticism of her body. She expressed confidence in her new look, revealing that she has been practicing catwalking and preparing new outfits to showcase her transformation.
“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 declared. She concluded the livestream on a positive note, thanking those who had criticized her appearance, saying, “Thank you for dragging the stomach. Thank you so much. And now I actually like it.”
Ruth Otabor died on August 31, 2025, following a road accident involving a Dangote truck, which left her with severe injuries. The incident triggered widespread public discussion and led to a public clash between Phyna and social commentator VeryDarkMan over the handling of the case. As Phyna continues to navigate public scrutiny, her latest statements reflect a determined stance on personal autonomy and self-expression. Her journey highlights the complex intersection of grief, fame, and body image in the Nigerian public sphere.
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