Content creator Izzy Ogbeide has publicly criticised social media influencer Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), for allegedly shifting public sympathy away from Phyna and her family following the death of her sister, Ruth Otabor. Ruth tragically passed away on August 31, 2025, after suffering severe injuries in an accident involving a Dangote Group truck in Edo State.
Ogbeide, who had previously gone live with Phyna making an urgent call for support, condemned VDM’s actions in a video released on August 31, saying, “You removed sympathy from the family, Phyna. You caused people to hate her. People were calling a stressed woman a betrayer.” She stressed that Phyna had reached out to VDM simply as a brother seeking understanding, not to drag the Dangote Group publicly. “She only cried out to you that bro, see what I’m going through. She didn’t say help me drag Dangote,” Ogbeide asserted.
The controversy ignited after VDM claimed that Phyna demanded ₦1 billion in compensation from the Dangote Group while allegedly neglecting the injured biker involved in the crash. Phyna refuted these claims, branding VDM a “manipulator and liar,” asserting her motive was justice and accountability for her sister.
In an unusual step, Izzy Ogbeide locked the comments section on her Instagram post sharing the video to avoid escalating tensions online.
Ruth Otabor, a recent graduate of Auchi Polytechnic, was critically injured on August 13, 2025, when she was struck by a Dangote truck near her school. Despite efforts for advanced treatment abroad, Ruth succumbed to her injuries on August 31. The Dangote Group expressed deep condolences and stated it had provided medical and financial support to Ruth and her family since the accident.
Public reactions to the dispute have been mixed, with some blaming VDM for the distraction during a family’s sorrow, while others urged unity and compassion during such a difficult time. “VDM is to be blamed,” one social media user commented, reflecting the divided sentiments.
The tragedy and the surrounding controversy highlight the complexities of public discourse in grief and the urgent need for empathy and responsible communication.
This article offers concise background, clear attributions, direct quotes, and a balanced perspective suited for Observers Times readers. It carries a unique headline and avoids common clichés for a distinctive national angle. Let me know if you would like it customized further or require additional details.Izzy Ogbeide has strongly criticised social media influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), accusing him of diverting public sympathy away from Big Brother Naija star Phyna and her family following the tragic death of Phyna’s sister, Ruth Otabor. Ruth succumbed to injuries sustained when she was struck by a Dangote Group truck in Edo State on August 13, 2025, passing away on August 31.
In a video shared on August 31, Ogbeide said, “You removed sympathy from the family, Phyna. You caused people to hate her. People were calling a stressed woman a betrayer.” She emphasised that Phyna reached out to VDM simply as a brother for support, not to help drag Dangote publicly. “She only cried out to you that bro, see what I am going through. She didn’t say help me drag Dangote.”
The controversy started after VDM alleged Phyna demanded ₦1 billion compensation from Dangote while overlooking the injured biker also involved. Phyna dismissed these claims, labelling VDM a “manipulator and liar.” Ogbeide meanwhile locked comments on her Instagram post sharing the video to prevent further online backlash.
Ruth Otabor, a recent Auchi Polytechnic graduate, suffered amputations and critical injuries in the accident. Despite efforts by Dangote Group to provide medical and financial support and plans for advanced treatment abroad, Ruth passed away after her brave fight. The group expressed heartfelt condolences to the family.
