Former Big Brother Naija winner, Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has tendered a heartfelt public apology for her controversial past tweets, admitting to personal growth and hard-earned life lessons amid her family’s recent tragedy.
The reality TV star, who rose to fame after clinching the BBNaija Level Up season title in 2022, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express regret over past remarks and acknowledge the transformation she has undergone in recent times.
“Omo my eyes has opened, I have seen a lot this period, all I can say is omo just hold God tight. To some tweets I’ve made in the past when I thought I knew better and to those people that got angry, omo I’m sorry oo, I’ve seen the light Omo!!!!!!!!! If you know! You know!”
The reality star’s apology comes at a time of deep emotional strain for her family following the tragic accident of her younger sister, Ruth, who was involved in a devastating road crash on August 13, 2025. The accident, which occurred near Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State, left Ruth with life-threatening injuries and eventually led to the amputation of one of her legs.
According to eyewitnesses, the accident was caused by a Dangote Group truck allegedly driven by an underage and unlicensed driver. The incident has since sparked widespread criticism of road safety lapses in Nigeria, as well as calls for stricter regulation of corporate drivers.
Following the accident, the Dangote Group reportedly pledged full medical support for Ruth, including an overseas transfer for advanced treatment. However, Phyna has accused the company of backtracking on its promise, leaving her family to bear the overwhelming financial and emotional burden of Ruth’s recovery.
“Initially, they assured us of total support, but now they have gone silent,” Phyna lamented in a recent interview.
“My sister deserves justice, and we will not stop until accountability is served.”
The allegations have reignited public debates about corporate responsibility in Nigeria, particularly in cases where ordinary citizens suffer due to negligence.
Civil society groups have also begun mounting pressure on authorities to investigate both the accident and the alleged involvement of an underage driver.
Despite being a polarising figure online, Phyna has received an outpouring of sympathy from fans and well-wishers.
Many described her apology as a sign of maturity and resilience, particularly as she navigates personal and family challenges under the public eye.
Her journey from a reality TV star to a vocal advocate for justice highlights the dual realities of fame — adoration on one hand and scrutiny on the other.
Social media commentators noted that her willingness to admit past mistakes while fighting for her sister’s rights shows her evolution as both a public figure and a family woman.
The tragedy also draws attention to Nigeria’s worsening road safety crisis. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), thousands of accidents occur annually due to reckless driving, underage or unlicensed drivers, and poorly maintained vehicles.
Trucking companies, in particular, have come under fire for negligence and failure to enforce strict driving regulations.
Legal experts suggest that Phyna’s family may have grounds for litigation if evidence proves that the Dangote Group failed in its duty of care.
Advocacy groups are also calling for stiffer penalties for companies whose vehicles are involved in fatal or life-altering crashes.
For Phyna, the past few weeks have been a whirlwind of pain, reflection, and advocacy.
Her public apology marks a symbolic turning point in her career, as she strives to rebuild public trust while focusing on her sister’s recovery and pursuit of justice.
While many Nigerians continue to debate her past online behaviour, her current reality has struck a chord with thousands who believe that her story is a mirror of resilience in the face of tragedy.
As one fan noted:
“We’ve seen celebrities fall apart under less pressure. For Phyna to apologize publicly and still fight for her sister shows courage. She deserves our prayers now more than our judgment.”
The unfolding events surrounding Phyna’s apology and Ruth’s tragic accident underscore larger societal issues — from the responsibility of public figures to the accountability of corporate giants in safeguarding lives.
For now, the BBNaija star is focused on family, faith, and the hope that her sister’s story will not be another forgotten statistic in Nigeria’s long list of preventable tragedies.