- Former BBNaija winner Phyna has decided to drop her family surname
- The reality star expressed disappointment over her family issues and how it was best for her to do so
- Her decision has generated mostly sympathy from netizens on social media
Former Big Brother Naija (BBN) housemate and winner of the season 7 edition, Ijeoma Otabor has publicly dropped her surname over unresolved family differences.
This is not the first time Phyna and her family have made headlines, particularly regarding her new status and fame.
In September 2023, her father Felix Otabor called her out alleging that Phyna turned her back on their family after emerging as the winner of the BBN reality show.
However, the 27-year-old Phyna, via her official X (formerly Twitter) page on Thursday, November 21, expressed her disappointment without going into details about what transpired in her family to fuel her latest decision.
She concluded that she had realised that she had no family as no one knew how she came about but she is still searching for answers.
“I am publicly dropping my family surname OTABOR. It has been proven that I actually have no family and nobody knows how I came about. I’m still searching for answers though. 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. Going up and the way I was tossing around relatives I should have suspected but guess I was too young. Omo, my head wan tear!!!!!!” she tweeted.
The reality star's surprising decision drew sympathy from many netizens, who shared their mixed feelings about the situation.
Netizens share sympathy to Phyna’s tweet
TheRadar curated some below:
@ComradeAtt said, “Stay Strong Phyna. You have a family either blood related or otherwise. For now, find joy within yourself and those who genuinely love you. The race of life is never against anyone but yourself, raise your head high and keep it moving. One day, everything will make sense.May the most high come through for you. Always remember, life is never meant to be fair, sadly.”
@iam_philopearl said, “If you get family wey no won make you disappear at-times, na big blessing,”
@srfavourite_ wrote, “I believe you understand how best this hits you, whatever it is just make sure you’re calm and at peace with yourself first.”
@Queenlle said, “Strongs my sweetheart I understand this can be devastating , something you have known for the rest of your life turns out to be not true, I pray God gives you strength to pull through.”
@calissii commented, “Stay strong phyna,”
@chiomafavour0 said, “We all have family issues. You will definitely feel better soon.”
@ItzBarbieAlmie said, “Just bcos you were born into a household doesn't make them a family, you can choose your family. As difficult as it may feel you need to prioritize yourself. If they can’t bring you peace CUT THEM OFF. Do things that make you happy, You deserve to be selfish at this point . I love you always, just want you to be happy, Lord knows you deserve it.”
@AhanaAnastasia said, “You are not the only one going through a family crisis, Alot go through it, It mustn't be out here, Tomorrow dem go use am troll you. Can't you learn. We all should learn how to handle challenges privately, not everything online.”
@faet_vourrr said, “We all have family issues. And I think these issues aren't meant to be gists for the media, especially Twitter. Sending you hugs. you'll be fine.”
@Adewalemer wrote, “Let her talk out because if anything happens tomorrow is uuuuu, that will say why she didn't speak up.”
BBNaija: Tobi Bakre, Bisola Aiyeola, 8 other ex-housemates making waves in Nollywood
Housemates have various reasons for appearing on Big Brother Naija (BBNaija). For many, the opportunity to gain fame is a significant motivator.
Additionally, the platform allows them to showcase their talents, which has proven to be a launching pad for many to achieve celebrity status.
Life after BBNaija, former housemates whether as winners or not have found themselves in the Nigerian industry, taking up significant roles and proving their artistic talents on screen. Here, TheRadar spotlights 10 ex-Big Brother Housemates who are making waves in Nollywood today.
