Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Ijeoma Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has fired back at critics who questioned her decision to undergo a Brazilian Butt Lift surgery months after the death of her sister, describing most Nigerians as hypocrites.
During an Instagram livestream on Saturday, Phyna addressed the backlash following her BBL and 360 Lipo surgery, which she documented in a viral video captioned: “Finally did it. No regrets.”
The reality star dismissed accusations that getting the cosmetic procedure showed disrespect for her late sister, Ruth Otabor, insisting that she had grieved privately and did not owe the public a performance of her pain.
“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 insisted that her grief was real but personal. “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 warned critics not to drag her late sister into online controversy. “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.”
Phyna defended her parents, noting that the family resumed normal life from September 1, the day after Ruth was laid to rest. “People will bury and move on the next day. They moved on on the 1st. Like, they don’t stop living,” she said.
She also took aim at 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.”
On her surgery, Phyna was unapologetic. “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.”
Ruth died on August 31, 2025, after battling injuries from a road accident involving a Dangote truck. The Dangote Group had covered all medical costs. Prior to Ruth’s death, Phyna and VeryDarkMan had clashed publicly over the handling of the case.
