Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Phyna, whose younger sister Ruth Otabor tragically died in an accident involving a Dangote truck in August 2025, has addressed criticisms over her decision to party shortly after her sister’s burial.
Phyna faced backlash on social media after a video surfaced showing her dancing and enjoying herself at a nightclub with actress Regina Daniels, just weeks after laying her sister to rest in September. Some accused her of being insensitive and moving on too quickly.
In response, Phyna emphasized that grief is a deeply personal process with no fixed timeline or method. She stated, “Grief has no manual, no fixed face, and no timetable. The fact that I choose to keep living, smiling, or sharing moments does not erase the pain I carry. Respect the process, even if you do not understand it. If you cannot extend compassion, then at least extend silence.”
Her plea for understanding and respect gained support from friends, including Regina Daniels, who also called on the public to stop judging how people choose to heal.
Phyna’s sister, Ruth Otabor, was laid to rest in September following severe injuries from a road accident involving a Dangote truck. The tragic loss and subsequent public criticism have highlighted the broader issue of how individuals cope with grief differently.