Content creator Izzy Ogbeide has fiercely criticised social media personality Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), amid the growing backlash over the death of Ruth Otabor, sister to Big Brother Naija star Phyna. Ruth lost her life following a devastating accident involving a Dangote Group truck in Edo State.
Ogbeide accused VDM of undermining public sympathy for Phyna and her grieving family by shifting the narrative towards financial demands and accountability disputes. “You removed sympathy from the family, Phyna. You caused people to hate her. People were calling a stressed woman a betrayer,” Ogbeide said in a widely shared video.
The controversy started after VDM alleged that Phyna was demanding ₦1 billion in compensation from Dangote Group while ignoring the injured biker involved in the same crash. Phyna, however, labelled VDM a “manipulator and liar,” clarifying that her appeal was a desperate cry for brotherly support, not a call to drag the company publicly.
Ogbeide emphatically defended Phyna, saying, “She only cried out to you as a brother, not to help her drag Dangote. I hope you are happy with yourself.” In a rare move, she locked the comment section on her Instagram post sharing the video to prevent further negative reactions.
The aftermath of Ruth’s death has reignited calls for justice and corporate accountability, with Dangote Group releasing statements expressing deep sorrow and commitment to support the family through the ordeal. Ruth suffered critical injuries in the August 13 accident near Auchi Polytechnic and passed away on August 31, after battling bravely.
Social media users have expressed mixed reactions, some blaming VDM for the distraction, others urging more unity and less divisiveness during the family’s time of grief. “VDM is to be blamed,” one user commented, while others lament the loss of a promising young life and the tragic cost of negligence.
