By Our Correspondent

National News – Reality TV star Ijeoma Otabor, widely known as Phyna, has responded strongly to critics who condemned her decision to undergo a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery months after the death of her sister, Ruth Otabor.

The former Big Brother Naija winner described many Nigerians as “hypocrites” while defending her decision during a live Instagram session on Saturday.

Phyna stated that her grief for her sister remains private, insisting that mourning does not require public validation.

She warned critics against using her sister’s death as a tool for online attacks, stressing that the loss was deeply personal.

She also rejected claims that she received ₦1 billion from the Dangote Group in relation to the accident that led to her sister’s death, dismissing the allegation as false.

According to Phyna, her surgery was a personal choice and not influenced by any financial settlement.

The reality star further revealed that online body-shaming contributed to her decision to undergo surgery, saying she is now confident and unapologetic about her appearance.

She hinted that she will continue sharing content confidently despite backlash.

Her sister, Ruth Otabor, died on August 31, 2025, after sustaining severe injuries in a road accident involving a Dangote truck near Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State.

The incident occurred days after her graduation, and she later passed away despite medical efforts and plans for advanced treatment abroad.