BBNaija Star Phyna on Sister’s Death: ‘Grief Has No Manual,’ Tells Critics to Stop Judging

Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has fiercely defended her decision to party shortly after her younger sister’s burial, telling critics that they cannot dictate how she grieves.

Dependable NG reports that the reality TV star came under a wave of criticism on social media after a video surfaced showing her clubbing alongside Nollywood actress Regina Daniels. Dependable NG reports that Phyna’s sister, Ruth Otabor, died in an accident involving a Dangote truck in August and was laid to rest in September.

The viral clip led to a significant backlash, with many users accusing Phyna of being insensitive and moving on too quickly from her loss. While Regina Daniels had previously defended Phyna, urging the public to stop judging others’ grieving processes, Phyna remained silent until now.

Taking to her X account, the media personality shared an emotional message emphasizing that mourning is a deeply personal experience that defies public judgment.

“Grief has no manual, no fixed face, and no timetable,” Phyna wrote, addressing the controversy. “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.”