Ijeoma Otabor, popularly known as Phyna and winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7, has responded sharply to critics who questioned her decision to undergo a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) months after the death of her sister.
During an Instagram livestream on Saturday, the reality star described many Nigerians as hypocritical while defending her personal choices.
Phyna, who recently underwent a BBL and 360 liposuction, shared a post-surgery video that quickly gained traction online, captioning it: “Finally did it. No regrets.”
She rejected claims that the procedure showed disrespect for her late sister, Ruth Otabor, insisting that her grieving 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 her grief remains personal and should not be judged 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.
She also warned critics against invoking her sister’s death in 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.
Defending her family, she noted that life continued shortly after Ruth’s burial on 31 August 2025, adding that people should respect individual ways of coping with loss.
Phyna further addressed allegations made by social commentator VeryDarkMan, denying claims 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.
Unapologetic about her surgery, Phyna said she intends to confidently show off her new look.
“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.
She also suggested that online criticism of her body influenced her decision to undergo the procedure.
“Thank you for dragging the stomach. Thank you so much. And now I actually like it,” she said.
Ruth Otabor died on 31 August 2025 following complications from injuries sustained in a road accident involving a truck belonging to the Dangote Group near Auchi Polytechnic. The crash occurred on 13 August, just days after her graduation.
The Dangote Group had covered medical expenses and arranged for overseas treatment before her passing.
Phyna’s remarks have since generated mixed reactions online, with some defending her right to move on, while others criticised the timing and tone of her response.