It was a heartbreaking scene on Saturday as Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, buried her younger sister, Ruth.
Ruth Bodon Otabor, aged 24, died on 31 August 2025 from complications sustained in a road accident involving a Dangote truck near Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, weeks earlier.
The crash occurred on 13 August, just six days after Ruth’s graduation. She suffered severe injuries, including a leg amputation and head trauma.
Despite medical interventions and plans for treatment abroad, Ruth passed away at 6:30 a.m. on 31 August, according to the family’s solicitors, Eko Solicitors & Advocates.
Her passing was announced on Phyna’s Instagram page, where the family mourned their daughter, sister, and mother with “heavy hearts.”
Her remains were moved from Ebony Mortuary, Ikoyi, to the family residence in Ikorodu, Ogun State, before burial on 13 September. The funeral flyer read: “Miss Ruth Bodon Otabor, born 24 May 2001 – died 31 August 2025. Burial service, 13 September, Ewuoloye Itasanni, Ogijo, Ogun State.”
At the graveside, Phyna, clad in black and dark shades, struggled to hold back tears as relatives urged her to drop sand into the grave for a final farewell. Videos showed her sobbing in a car, eyes swollen from grief. Ex-housemates Christy O and Groovy joined family and friends to console her.
Before her death, Phyna accused the Dangote Group of shielding those responsible for the crash. Social media users rallied behind her with the hashtag #JusticeForRuth.
In response, Dangote Group said it had covered Ruth’s hospital bills and arrangements for overseas treatment. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ruth Otabor,” the company said, adding that safety and compassion remain central to its operations.
As the family grieves, they have requested privacy. Ruth leaves behind her parents, siblings, and children.
For Phyna, the loss has been overwhelming. After announcing her sister’s death, she briefly deactivated her Instagram account as fans sent prayers for strength.