Big Brother Naija reality star, Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has publicly accused the Dangote Group, one of Nigeria’s largest conglomerates, of negligence, insensitivity, and deceptive practices surrounding the tragic death and burial of her sister, Ruth Otabor. In a series of emotional and detailed posts shared on her Instagram account, Phyna expressed deep frustration with the company, alleging that her sister’s death was not only a devastating loss but also the result of calculated and deliberate actions. The reality star’s allegations have sparked widespread attention, raising questions about corporate accountability and transparency in handling sensitive matters involving families and public relations.
Phyna’s grievances center on what she describes as the Dangote Group’s failure to fulfill promises made to her family regarding financial support for medical and burial expenses following Ruth’s death. According to the reality star, the company had publicly announced that it would cover all costs associated with her sister’s medical treatment and burial. However, Phyna claims that this commitment was only partially met, leaving her family to shoulder significant financial burdens during an already painful period.
In her Instagram posts, Phyna detailed the financial strain her family endured, particularly in covering expenses incurred during Ruth’s medical treatment. She explained that while the Dangote Group settled the bills at Lagoon Hospital in Lagos, where Ruth was reportedly treated, the family was left to bear the costs of additional medical expenses from Auchi to Irrua. “The bills from Auchi down to Irrua were covered by the family; no refund has been made,” Phyna lamented, highlighting the lack of follow-through on the company’s promises. This discrepancy, she argued, demonstrated a lack of accountability and sincerity on the part of the Dangote Group, which she accused of prioritizing public relations over genuine support for her grieving family.
The reality star also recounted a particularly distressing experience on the day of Ruth’s burial, September 13. According to Phyna, her family made multiple attempts to contact representatives of the Dangote Group to address outstanding issues related to the burial expenses. However, she claims that the company was unresponsive, leaving the family in a state of confusion and frustration. “On September 13th, the day of burial, Dangote Group did not pick up all calls made to them from us, as we were told the bills were not paid, but they claim it was,” she wrote. This alleged lack of communication further fueled Phyna’s perception of the company’s insensitivity during a critical moment for her family.
Adding to her grievances, Phyna revealed a particularly troubling incident involving a letter sent by the Dangote Group to her father. According to the reality star, the company drafted an acknowledgment of receipt letter, purportedly confirming that the family had received funds for Ruth’s burial expenses, and demanded that her father sign it. Phyna described this action as an attempt at impersonation and manipulation, arguing that the family should have been directly involved in drafting or verifying such a document. “This letter that was sent to my dad this evening is really paining me. @dangotegroup you killed my sister, did massive PR, gave the girl’s papa money for burial, then still by yourself wrote an acknowledgement letter impersonating my father and sent it to him to sign,” she wrote in an emotional post.
Phyna’s accusations suggest that the Dangote Group’s actions were not only negligent but also strategically designed to control the narrative surrounding Ruth’s death and burial. She questioned why a company of Dangote’s stature would resort to such measures instead of engaging with her family transparently and respectfully. The reality star’s posts imply that the company’s public relations efforts were prioritized over addressing the family’s emotional and financial needs, further exacerbating their pain during an already difficult time.
The allegations have sparked significant discourse on social media, with fans, followers, and observers weighing in on the controversy. Phyna’s outspokenness has brought renewed attention to issues of corporate responsibility, particularly in cases involving tragic incidents and public-facing commitments. Her claims raise broader questions about how large organizations handle crises, communicate with affected families, and fulfill promises made in the public eye. For many, the situation underscores the importance of transparency and empathy in corporate dealings, especially when families are navigating the loss of a loved one.
As of now, the Dangote Group has not issued a public response to Phyna’s allegations, leaving room for speculation and debate. The company, known for its extensive operations across industries such as cement, sugar, and oil refining, has long been a prominent player in Nigeria’s economy. However, Phyna’s accusations could potentially impact its public image, particularly if her claims gain further traction or prompt additional scrutiny.
Phyna’s decision to share her story on a public platform like Instagram reflects her determination to seek justice and accountability for her sister’s death. Her posts have resonated with many who view her as a courageous figure standing up to a powerful corporation. At the same time, the lack of an official response from the Dangote Group leaves the public awaiting further clarification or resolution.
The controversy also highlights the challenges faced by families dealing with corporate entities in times of crisis. For Phyna and her family, the financial and emotional toll of Ruth’s death has been compounded by what they perceive as broken promises and manipulative tactics. As the story continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the need for organizations to act with integrity and compassion when addressing sensitive issues that affect individuals and communities.
Phyna’s accusations have yet to be independently verified, and the full details of Ruth Otabor’s death and the circumstances surrounding it remain unclear. However, her public outcry has undoubtedly brought attention to the issue, prompting discussions about corporate accountability and the treatment of grieving families. Whether the Dangote Group will address these allegations directly or take steps to resolve the matter with Phyna’s family remains to be seen. For now, the reality star’s bold stance has ignited a conversation that resonates far beyond her personal loss, touching on themes of justice, transparency, and corporate responsibility in Nigeria and beyond.
