Reality TV star and BBNaija winner, Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has opened up on why her once-warm relationship with Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo appears to have gone cold.

Speaking during a live session with her followers on social media, Phyna revealed that Iyabo Ojo’s attitude towards her changed after she became associated with controversial social media activist, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

According to Phyna, Iyabo Ojo used to be very supportive of her online, regularly liking and commenting on her posts. However, she noticed a sudden stop in that interaction, which made her feel the actress had withdrawn her affection.

Phyna said she strongly believes the shift is connected to her link with VDM, whose frequent online clashes with celebrities have often drawn criticism and controversy.

“I feel mama doesn’t like me that much again because before she used to comment on my posts, she used to like it, now she no longer likes it and I’m very sure it’s because of that dirty boy,” Phyna said.
“I even went as far as attacking Vee Iyele because of that dirty boy.”

The reality star further disclosed that her association with VDM did not only affect her relationship with Iyabo Ojo, but also strained her interactions with other influencers online, pulling her into public arguments she would normally avoid.

Opinion & Analysis

Phyna’s revelation highlights a recurring reality in the digital age: associations matter, especially in the public eye. In Nigeria’s entertainment space, where alliances and public perception can shape careers, being linked to a controversial figure often comes with unintended consequences.

While Phyna appears to speak from a place of honesty and hurt, the situation also raises questions about boundaries and personal branding. Iyabo Ojo, known for being outspoken but selective about her battles, may simply be choosing peace and distance rather than conflict.

Ultimately, this episode serves as a reminder that fame amplifies choices. For public figures like Phyna, every association sends a message—intended or not—and navigating relationships online requires as much wisdom as authenticity. Whether bridges will be rebuilt remains to be seen, but the conversation itself sheds light on how fragile celebrity friendships can be in the age of social media controversies.