Cynthia Ezegwu
Reality TV star and Big Brother Naija winner, Phyna, has extended words of encouragement to fellow winner Imisi amid a growing family dispute between the latter and her mother.
In a post on X on Monday, Phyna wrote, “To Imisi, @imisiofficial and to anyone walking through the same fire… I’m praying for your strength. My own experience broke me, but I’m slowly rising. And I’m rooting for you with everything in me. Don’t handle it like I did, build strong and focus on you baby girl.”
Her message comes in the wake of a public disagreement between Imisi and her mother, who recently accused her daughter of harbouring hatred and abandoning the family despite winning N150 million after emerging champion of the Big Brother Naija reality show.
Imisi, responding in Yoruba, urged her mother to avoid further public confrontation, saying, “This is why Aunty Debola said you should not show your face to the world. I can’t be saying all that now, you are in the midst of people. Just overlook everything and leave social media. Don’t worry, I will send you money to rent a new house… Please forgive me, I am your daughter.”
READ ALSO: Actor Ijebu to Imisi: ‘Your Mother Is Mini-God, Beg Her Now’
The rift escalated after Imisi’s mother posted a video showing the old house where she currently lives, claiming she was content with her condition and did not need her daughter’s money. She further criticised Imisi for recounting childhood experiences she described as untrue, including allegations of neglect and sexual assault.
The development has drawn reactions online, with many users comparing Imisi’s situation to Phyna’s own family struggles. In 2023, Phyna’s father, Felix Otabor, alleged in an interview that he had been sidelined by his daughter following her BBNaija victory. He claimed she asked him to quit his job as a hearse driver and sell his vehicles with the promise of improving the family’s welfare, a move he said led to financial setbacks and strained relations.
The ongoing controversies have reignited conversations surrounding the impact of sudden fame and fortune on family relationships among reality TV stars.