- Media personality and Big Brother Naija winner Phyna has addressed critics who questioned her choice to undergo Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery following the loss of her sister, Ruth.
- The reality star emphasized that her grief is personal and private, rejecting the notion that she must perform sorrow on social media to validate her loss.
- Phyna revealed she was motivated by previous body-shaming comments and expressed excitement about showcasing her new physique.
Ijeoma Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, took to an Instagram livestream on Saturday to confront what she described as “hypocritical” judgment from Nigerians regarding her recent cosmetic surgeries.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Season 7 BBNaija winner underwent a BBL and 360 Lipo procedure just months after the tragic passing of her sister, Ruth Otabor, leading some social media users to claim she was moving on too quickly.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Judge Frees 37 Inmates Over Prolonged Detention in Akwa Ibom
- Trump Threatens Iran Over Energy Attacks
- Tinubu Excludes Kemi Badenoch from UK State Visit Itinerary
In a spirited response, Phyna clarified that her mourning process is not a public performance. She stated that while her sister remains in her heart, she has no intention of coming online to cry for public approval.
“Don’t try to bring my sister’s death into this,” she warned critics, stressing that her family has the right to continue living their lives despite their deep personal loss.
Addressing specific rumors, Phyna debunked claims that she received N1 billion from the Dangote Group in relation to her sister’s death, calling such reports “disgusting.”
Ruth Otabor passed away on August 31, 2025, from injuries sustained in an accident involving a truck, an incident that had previously caused a public rift between Phyna and activist VeryDarkMan.
Far from being apologetic, Phyna credited her critics with pushing her toward the surgery. She noted that after being “dragged” for her stomach and body shape for months, she decided to take action and is now thrilled with the results.
“I have been learning how to catwalk. I got new outfits that will show everything,” she boasted, signaling a new era of confidence as she prepares to debut her transformed look to the public.
