Phyna Defends Cosmetic Surgery Decision Amid Criticism and Grief
Ijeoma Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7, has voiced her disapproval of harsh criticism following her recent cosmetic surgery. This comes months after the tragic loss of her sister. During a recent Instagram livestream, Phyna addressed her detractors, highlighting the hypocrisy she perceives among many Nigerians.
After undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift and 360 liposuction, Phyna shared a celebratory post-surgery video that quickly attracted attention. In the caption, she expressed, “Finally did it. No regrets.” However, this sparked comments questioning her sensitivity in light of her sister’s death.
In response to suggestions that her decision was insensitive, Phyna emphasized her personal grieving process. She stated, “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 further urged critics to refrain from using her sister's death as a point of debate, asserting, “I lost a sister. I lost one of my favourite siblings. And it is none of your damn business.”
Ruth Otabor, Phyna’s sister, tragically passed away on August 31, 2025, following complications from a road accident caused by a Dangote truck. Phyna explained that while mourning is a deeply personal journey, her family continues to move forward after the burial.
“People will bury and move on the next day. They moved on on the 1st. Like, they don’t stop living,” she remarked, calling for respect for her personal way of coping with grief.
Phyna also tackled rumors circulating in the public domain, notably assertions by social commentator VeryDarkMan, who claimed that she received ₦1 billion from the Dangote Group linked to her sister’s death. Phyna asserted, “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.”
Regarding her surgery and the desire to showcase the results, Phyna remained resolute. “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 declared with confidence. She also acknowledged that online criticism regarding her body had influenced her decision, stating, “Thank you for dragging the stomach. Thank you so much. And now I actually like it.”