Phyna, winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7, has fired back at critics questioning her decision to undergo cosmetic surgery months after the death of her sister, describing many Nigerians as hypocritical.
During an Instagram livestream, the reality star—whose real name is Ijeoma Otabor—defended her choice to have a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and 360 liposuction, insisting that grief is personal and should not be dictated by public expectations.
Her post-surgery video recently went viral, with the caption “Finally did it. No regrets,” sparking backlash from some who felt the timing was insensitive following the passing of her sister, Ruth Otabor.
Responding to the criticism, Phyna maintained that she had mourned privately and owed no one a public display of her emotions. She warned critics against dragging her late sister into online debates, stressing that her loss remains deeply personal.
She also addressed claims linking her surgery to alleged financial compensation, dismissing accusations—previously amplified by VeryDarkMan—that she received ₦1 billion from the Dangote Group. Phyna described the claims as false and “disgusting.”
Despite the backlash, she remained unapologetic about her decision and expressed confidence in her new look, even hinting at plans to showcase her transformation publicly.
Ruth Otabor died on August 31, 2025, following complications from injuries sustained in a road accident involving a Dangote truck near Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State.
The incident had earlier sparked controversy, including a public dispute between Phyna and VeryDarkMan over the handling of the case. The latest livestream has since drawn mixed reactions, with some supporting her right to move on and others criticising her remarks and timing.
