It was a heartbreaking scene on Saturday as Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, laid her younger sister, Ruth, to rest.
Ruth Otabor, 24, died on August 31, 2025, after complications from a road accident reportedly involving a Dangote truck near Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, weeks earlier.
Final Goodbye
This videos shows Phyna bidding her last goodbye in tears as she is held to collect sand from the ground into the grave of Ruth! This is the saddest goodbye ever! I cried like a baby watching this! May God be with Phyna and the rest of the family! It is well ️#RuthLaidToRest pic.twitter.com/y6pBE08pdz
— Humu Khair (@KhairHumu) September 13, 2025
Her family moved her remains from Ebony Mortuary, Ikoyi, to their residence in Ikorodu, Ogun State, where they buried her on September 13.
The burial flyer read: “Miss Ruth Bodon Otabor, born May 24, 2001 – died August 31, 2025. Burial service, September 13, Ewuoloye Itasanni, Ogijo, Ogun State.”
At the graveside, Phyna, dressed in black and dark shades, was visibly distressed. She fought back tears as relatives encouraged her to drop sand into her sister’s grave to bid a final goodbye.
READ ALSO: Truck Accident: Phyna Loses Sister, Dangote Condoles With Family
Videos from the funeral showed swollen eyes as she sobbed in a car. Ex-housemates Christy O and Groovy joined family and friends to console her.
At the burial, the pain was clear not only in her family’s grief and looks but also in the silence of friends who stood by.
Truck Incident
The crash on August 13 occurred just six days after Ruth’s graduation. She suffered severe injuries, including a leg amputation and head trauma.
Despite medical interventions and arrangements for treatment abroad, Ruth succumbed to her injuries at 6:30 a.m. on August 31, according to the family’s lawyers, Eko Solicitors & Advocates.
The family announced her passing in a statement on Phyna’s Instagram page, saying with “heavy hearts” they mourned their daughter, sister, and mother.
Before her death, Phyna had accused the Dangote Group of shielding those responsible and failing to act swiftly. Social media users rallied behind her, trending #JusticeForRuth.
The company later issued a statement, saying officials visited the hospital and covered medical bills, including arrangements for advanced treatment abroad.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ruth Otabor,” the Dangote Group said, adding that safety and compassion remain central to its operations.
It continued, “Despite all efforts and Ruth’s brave fight, we lost her. We extend heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.”
As they grieve, the Otabors have requested privacy. Ruth leaves behind her parents, siblings, and children.
For Phyna, the grief has been overwhelming. After announcing her sister’s death, she briefly deactivated her Instagram account as fans sent prayers for strength.
