Dangote Reacts to Phyna’s Sister’s Death, Releases Official Statement on Plans He Had
- Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has broken silence on the death of former BBNaija star Phyna's sister
- Legit.ng earlier reported that the reality star's sister, who was hit by a Dangote truck days earlier, had died
- The billionaire, in a statement, mentioned preparations that were put in place prior to the tragic incident
The Dangote Group has reacted to the death of Ruth Otabor, the younger sister of reality TV star Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, better known as Phyna. Her family lawyer confirmed her death on August 31.
In a statement posted on the company's official X account on Sunday night, management expressed grief over the incident, calling it as a tragic loss.
Source: Instagram
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ruth Otabor, who was injured in the recent road incident involving one of our trucks in Auchi, Edo State. On behalf of the entire Dangote Group, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time,” the statement read in part.
Ruth was seriously injured in a horrific accident on August 18, 2025, in Auchi, Edo State. According to the statement, Dangote Group executives and insurance partners have been giving financial and medical assistance to the victim's family since the incident occurred.
“Arrangements had been made for her to be flown to India for advanced treatment, pending medical clearance from her doctors. Sadly, despite these efforts and Ruth’s brave fight to live, we lost her today,” the company said.
Dangote management also stated that safety, accountability, and compassion remain key to its operations, while assuring the public of its continuous commitment to upgrading safety procedures.
Legit.ng earlier reported that Ruth's death was officially certified by Eko Solicitors & Advocates on behalf of the family at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday.
Ruth had been involved in a sad accident on August 13, 2025, at Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State, when a Dangote Group lorry crushed her leg.
She had an amputation just days after graduating from Auchi Polytechnic, but died from complications from the incident.
The post from Dangote about the tragedy is below:
Reactions to Dangote’s statement on Phyna's sister
Legit.ng compiled the reactions below:
adaobi_______ said:
"This was too fast!!! Wow?! So una fit swing into action like this? Had the company kept this energy, that girl would have been in India now recovering!!!! MAY NIGERIA NOT HAPPEN TO ANY OF US , can I get an Amen?"
queenkhardi said:
"See how quick they brought their statement after hearing she has pass💔 God will judge y’all hmmm rip Ruth."
profixersconnec said:
"Omo cancel dangote group men 😢 they are playing games with the lives of the citizens."
v_toria122 said:
"He’ll get away without settling the family."
teeto__olayeni said:
"So after this statement what next??? What measure are you all taking to reduce the rate at which your reckless drivers are killing innocent citizens???"
therealtokstar said:
"Wowwwww!!! Imagine how many citizens who do not have a voice who these truckers have unalived?? May the young lady RIP , condolences to Phyna and her family. ….now, LAWYER UP!!!"
Read also
Dangote reps collect remains of Phyna’s late sister, report of family's expectation emerges
sweetgirlivy14 said:
"So swift to respond to her death, but so slow to swing into action when she was here 😢😢😢."
thefit_nutritionist said:
"Ruth's kids needs to be taken care of. That lady went to school so she could better her life and now this. Her kids left without a mother. God."
nonymacjossy said:
"If Dangote was sick? Would it take him this long to be flown abroad? 😊 May God reply you all."
Source: Getty Images
Commentator knocks silence of authorities
Reacting, public speaker and author, Anuoluwapo Lebi, faulted the handling of repeated accidents linked to Dangote trucks.
Lebi, in his opinion shared with Legit.ng, said:
“Over the years, Dangote trucks have consistently wreaked havoc on Nigerians, destroying government and private properties, cutting short promising destinies, and plunging families into excruciating grief.”
“These tragedies, linked to the Dangote Group, have gone largely unchecked, leaving ordinary citizens at the mercy of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.”
“If Nigeria were a sane country with a proactive government that prioritized lives over the ego of the wealthy, Dangote’s deadly trucks would not be left to roam unchecked.”
Kokopee comments on reports of Phyna's hospitalisation
Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that upcoming singer Kokopee had publicly slammed reality TV star Phyna over a viral photo showing her laying in a hospital bed.
In a video shared on Instagram on August 31, 2025, he accused her of faking the situation to gain sympathy, describing it as a stunt and urging her to stop 'playing the victim'.
Kokopee fumed, stating he and VeryDarkMan had taken financial and personal risks to support Phyna during her sister's accident, including covering a costly car repair.
Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a public speaker for this report.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
