Former Big Brother Naija winner Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, was reportedly involved in a dramatic altercation at a hotel in Abuja over an alleged 200k financial dispute.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, quickly escalated from a private disagreement to a public spectacle, drawing the attention of hotel guests, staff, and eventually law enforcement. According to eyewitness accounts, the confrontation began inside Phyna’s hotel room and soon spilled into the lobby.
Sources claim the dispute was triggered by an unsettled financial issue involving 200k though the exact nature of the transaction remains unclear. Both parties involved reportedly refused to back down, resulting in a shouting match that intensified into pushing and chaos within the hotel premises.
The situation worsened when individuals connected to the dispute joined in, turning the verbal exchange into a physical clash. Hotel staff attempted to intervene, but the tension continued to rise until security personnel and police officers arrived on the scene. Teargas was reportedly used to disperse the crowd and restore order.
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The incident has sparked widespread conversation online, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the growing trend of public altercations involving celebrities.
Some fans have defended Phyna, citing her recent emotional struggles, while others have criticized the behavior as unbecoming of a public figure.
The altercation comes shortly after Phyna returned to the public eye following a brief hiatus to mourn the death of her younger sister, Ruth Otabor.
Ruth tragically died in August in an accident involving a Dangote truck. Phyna laid her sister to rest in September and had only recently resumed public appearances and engagements.
Her reentry into the spotlight has been marked by emotional vulnerability and controversy. Just days before the hotel incident, Phyna faced backlash for partying with Nollywood actress Regina Daniels shortly after her sister’s burial. In response, she posted a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“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.”
Mental health advocates have called for more compassion and understanding, especially in cases where public figures are navigating grief, stress, or financial pressure.
“You Can’t Tell Me How to Grieve”: Phyna Responds to Criticism
Earlier in October, Phyna faced backlash after a video surfaced showing her partying alongside Nollywood actress Regina Daniels shortly after her sister’s burial. Critics accused her of being insensitive and moving on too quickly.
In response, Phyna took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a deeply emotional message:
“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 words sounded good for many, including Regina Daniels, who had earlier defended her, urging the public to stop judging others for how they grieve.
Phyna’s statement brought about a broader issue, which is the unrealistic expectations placed on public figures to perform grief in ways that align with societal norms. In Nigeria, where mourning is often communal and ritualized, deviation from expected behavior can spark outrage – even when the pain is genuine.
Imisi’s Heartbreak and Identity Crisis Before BBNaija
While Phyna battled grief and public pressure, BBNaija Season 10 winner Imisi opened up about her emotional struggles before entering the house. In a candid interview with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, she revealed that she broke up with her boyfriend, Hakeem, just weeks before her audition.
“The Imisi you saw on social media was not really me. My dressing and style were influenced by my ex, Hakeem, because that’s what he liked. He liked when I wore makeup and frontals, so I did that to please him because he was my safe place.”
Imisi described the breakup as “hectic” and admitted that she entered the BBNaija house emotionally broken.
