Reality TV star Josephina “Phyna” Otabor on Saturday laid her younger sister, 24-year-old Ruth Bodon Otabor, to rest at the family compound in Ogun State amid an emotional ceremony attended by family, friends and some former Big Brother Naija housemates. Video from the burial showed Phyna in black as mourners paid their final respects.
Ruth died on 31 August after suffering life-threatening injuries in a road crash that happened on 13 August near Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State. The collision — widely reported to have involved a heavy-duty truck linked to the Dangote Group — left Ruth with severe trauma and required the amputation of one leg; despite medical care and plans for treatment abroad, she later passed away.
Images and videos from the burial showed an emotional send-off at the family residence in Ikorodu/Ogun, with several former BBNaija colleagues present to support Phyna. Social-media posts carrying the obituary and footage of the ceremony prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans and fellow entertainers.
The incident drew attention earlier in August after Phyna publicly criticised what she described as attempts to shield the truck driver from accountability; the Dangote Group later expressed sorrow over the tragedy and said it had supported medical arrangements, including covering some treatment costs. Family representatives confirmed Ruth’s death and asked for privacy as they made funeral arrangements.
The case has reignited conversations in Nigeria about road safety, enforcement of vehicle regulations, and the handling of accidents involving heavy commercial vehicles. Student groups and civil-society voices also pledged support to the family and called for a transparent inquiry into the circumstances of the crash.
As the family mourns, supporters continue to share memories and tributes online; authorities and the family’s legal representatives have said they will provide updates should there be any new development
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