Phyna’s Sister, Ruth Otabor, Dies Weeks After Surviving Tragic Accident
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The Otabor family has been thrown into deep mourning as Ruth Otabor, the younger sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, passed away on Sunday morning, 31st August 2025.

In a statement issued by Eko Solicitors & Advocates on behalf of the family, it was confirmed that Ruth died in the early hours of Sunday, at about 6:30 a.m., after a painful struggle following a tragic accident that occurred weeks earlier in Edo State.
Family Announces With “Heavy Heart”
The statement signed by the family’s legal representatives read:
“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 family further noted that they are currently grieving and pleaded with the public to respect their privacy during this difficult period.
“The family is presently grieving and will appreciate being given a private moment to mourn the departed. The funeral arrangement will be communicated to the public in due course,” the statement added.
Accident That Changed Everything
Akahi News gathered that Ruth’s tragic journey began on Wednesday, 13th August 2025, when she was involved in a ghastly accident near Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State.
According to eyewitnesses, a truck linked to the Dangote Group reportedly lost control and crushed her leg while she was walking home. Despite efforts by bystanders to stop the truck, Ruth sustained severe injuries that led to the amputation of her leg.
Her accident occurred just six days after she graduated from Auchi Polytechnic, a moment that should have been a new chapter of celebration in her life. Instead, it turned into a period of pain, hospitalisation, and emotional struggle for both Ruth and her family.
From Hope to Grief
Following the surgery, Ruth’s resilience had inspired many who sympathised with her situation. Friends, colleagues, and fans of her sister, Phyna, rallied around the family, praying for her recovery.
However, her health reportedly deteriorated in the days following the amputation. Despite medical intervention, she could not overcome the trauma and complications that followed the accident, leading to her untimely passing.
Her death has left not only the Otabor family but also the extended community of Auchi Polytechnic alumni and Phyna’s fan base heartbroken.
Fans React and Send Condolences
The news of Ruth’s passing quickly spread across social media platforms, with fans of Phyna, celebrities, and sympathisers pouring out messages of condolences. Many described Ruth’s story as “a tale of dreams cut short” and prayed for the Otabor family to find strength in this difficult time.
A supporter of Phyna wrote:
“This is beyond sad. From graduation joy to accident, amputation, and now death in just weeks. May God comfort the Otabor family.”
A Family in Mourning
Phyna, who rose to fame as the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7, is yet to make an official statement regarding her sister’s death at the time of filing this report. Close family friends, however, noted that she is devastated and has withdrawn from the public eye to grieve privately with her family.
The family has assured that funeral arrangements and details about Ruth’s burial will be announced in due course.
Ruth Otabor’s story is one that highlights the fragility of life — from the joy of academic achievement to the tragedy of an accident and the sorrow of an untimely death, all within the space of three weeks.
As Nigerians continue to sympathise with the Otabor family, the memory of Ruth will linger in the hearts of those who knew her, and her story will serve as a reminder of life’s unpredictability.
Akahi News will continue to provide updates on funeral arrangements and tributes as the family makes them public.
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