It is a dark hour for the family of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, as her younger sister, Ruth Otabor, has passed away.
Her death was announced yesterday in a statement issued by Eko Solicitors & Advocates on behalf of the family.
“With a heavy heart, the family regrets to announce the passing on to glory of their daughter, sister, and mother on this 31st day of August, 2025, at about 06:30hrs,” the statement read.
The family, still reeling from the shock, pleaded for privacy in their moment of grief.
“The family is presently grieving and will appreciate to be given a private moment to mourn the departed. The funeral arrangement will be communicated to the public in due course,” the release added.
Ruth’s passing comes barely three weeks after she was involved in a tragic accident near Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, on August 13. She had just graduated from the institution six days earlier when a truck, allegedly belonging to the Dangote Group, ran into her, crushing her leg.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the truck was stopped by a quick-thinking bystander before further harm could occur. Ruth later underwent amputation and had been receiving treatment before succumbing to complications.
Her sudden death has left the Otabor family, friends, and well-wishers in deep mourning. Fans of Phyna have also taken to social media to express their condolences, describing the loss as heartbreaking and untimely.
Ruth, who was only beginning to chart her path after school, is remembered by those close to her as vibrant, cheerful, and full of promise.
