LAGOS (CHATNEWSTV) — Josephine Ijeoma Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7, has publicly disowned her family and announced she will no longer use her surname, Otabor.
The reality star, who hails from Edo State, shared her decision Thursday night on her verified X handle, citing a history of family neglect.
“I am publicly dropping my family surname Otabor,” Phyna wrote. “It has been proven that I actually have no family and nobody knows how I came about… I’m still searching for answers though.”
Phyna, who recently spoke about facing difficult times, expressed deep frustration over the lack of family support throughout her life. “It’s been rough with me lately… I’m in a place where I can’t even describe how I feel or what to call what I’m going through rn. Going up and the way I was tossed around relatives I should have suspected, but guess I was too young… omo my head wan tear!” she lamented.
The announcement comes just months after Phyna’s father, Mr. Otabor, publicly criticized his daughter for not providing financial assistance to him and the family since her rise to fame. In a previous national newspaper interview, he accused Phyna of abandoning them, a claim she has neither confirmed nor denied.
Fans of the reality star have responded with mixed emotions, with many expressing sympathy for her struggles, while others have called for reconciliation. Phyna’s statement has reignited conversations about the pressures and personal challenges faced by celebrities after sudden fame.
