Phyna under fire over Carter Efe, Davrel feud

Winner of the Big Brother Naija Season 7, Ijeoma Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, is facing criticism from fans and social media users following her ongoing public feud with content creators, Carter Efe and Davrel.

What started as an online dispute has grown into a broader debate about the reality star’s public image, with some critics questioning the way she has handled the controversy.

Media personality and social commentator, Tosin Silverdam, in a viral video, compared Phyna’s recent conduct with that of previous BBNaija winners, describing her actions as damaging to her reputation.

He also questioned whether the reality star had adequate advisers or a management team guiding her decisions.

According to him, the level of public exchange between Phyna and the content creators had become excessive.

He said, “It’s like Phyna has forgotten that she won Big Brother Naija or something because what is going on with the back and forth she’s having with Carter Efe and one boy like that? Carter Efe saying that she slept with him. She doesn’t respect herself at all. Look at the way these boys are disrespecting Phyna. That other boy is saying her BBL is smelling. She needs class, because at this point, it is really embarrassing.”

Silverdam also criticised Phyna’s public responses, including emotional livestreams, repeated reactions to the allegations and references to legal action, describing them as unhelpful to her brand.

The controversy intensified after Carter Efe allegedly made claims about his relationship with Phyna, while Davrel also made remarks that sparked further reactions online.

In response, Phyna addressed the allegations during an Instagram Live session, where she expressed her displeasure and later announced that both men had been served legal documents in connection with a reported N500m lawsuit. She also demanded a retraction of the statements.

However, beyond the legal dispute, discussions online have largely focused on the reality star’s approach to handling the matter publicly.

Some social media users criticised her, arguing that her actions did not reflect the status of a former BBNaija winner.

One Facebook user wrote, “Phyna and drama, she doesn’t rate herself at all, a whole BBNaija winner.”

Another questioned those who supported her during the reality show, writing, “To those of you who voted for this lady to win BBNaija, what did you people see? I’m really curious.”

Others argued that the controversy could affect her public perception.

A user, Veralyn, wrote, “People would regard you how you regard yourself.”

Some commenters, however, noted that winning BBNaija does not automatically change a person’s personality.

“Being a BBNaija winner does not change one’s personality. This is who she is, and BBNaija winner is just a title,” another user stated.

A supporter of the reality star added that she needed time away from social media to rebuild her image.

“I love Phyna, but I think she needs to go offline and rebrand. I understand that life has not really been fair to her, but she needs to heal and live for herself,” the fan wrote.

While the controversy continues to generate debate online, some users have also suggested that the situation may be part of a publicity strategy aimed at generating attention.