Phyna's Public Outburst After Being Denied Entry to Imisi's Birthday Celebration
Nigerian reality television personality Josephina Otabor, widely recognized by her stage name Phyna, has publicly expressed her frustration following an incident at the birthday celebration of 2025 Big Brother Naija winner Imisi. The event, which took place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, became the center of controversy when Phyna was reportedly denied entry at the venue's entrance.
The Livestream Controversy That Led to the Confrontation
According to Phyna's account of the situation, security personnel at the party prevented her from entering because she refused to cease livestreaming the event to her social media followers. The former BBNaija winner, who earned the nickname "Hypeman queen" during her time on the popular reality show, found this request particularly unreasonable and unnecessary.
In a video that has since gone viral across various social media platforms, Phyna can be seen visibly upset as she questions what she perceives as double standards in how different content creators are treated at such events. She specifically challenged the organizers by asking whether they would make similar demands of popular male streamers who regularly document their experiences at celebrity gatherings.
Phyna's Perspective on the Incident
Phyna emphasized that she had attended the birthday celebration with the intention of showing support for Imisi, making the rejection at the door even more disappointing. She argued that the security team's insistence on no filming seemed selectively enforced, suggesting she was specifically targeted despite other attendees potentially engaging in similar activities.
The reality star pointed out what she considers an industry double standard, questioning whether prominent male content creators like Speed Darlington or Peller would face the same restrictions if they attempted to document their experiences at such events. This comparison has sparked broader conversations about gender dynamics and equal treatment within Nigeria's entertainment industry.
Social Media Reactions to the Viral Incident
The online community has responded with diverse opinions regarding the confrontation at Imisi's birthday party:
- @rukizcukiz commented: "You should take permission from the host before going ahead to stream. Nothing can be edited if caught on camera."
- @charles_maney noted: "Why are we still tolerating these outdated double standards in 2026? If male creators can vlog freely at events without drama, Phyna should too."
- @DaSTReet5 observed: "I don't know why they ban cameras inside the party hall, but I've seen how segregation really works. Some people start hating the struggles that made them who they are today."
- @digitalaom stated: "If the host wanted their event online, they would have shared streaming links. Meanwhile, why is paint so expensive in the market?"
Broader Context of Imisi's Recent Activities
This incident occurs as Imisi continues to engage with her fanbase following her BBNaija victory. The reality star recently announced plans for a homecoming event in Ebute Metta, scheduled for December 2, 2025, where she intends to express gratitude to the community that supported her during the competition. This return to her roots represents an effort to reciprocate the affection shown by voters who contributed to her success on the popular television program.
The confrontation at Imisi's birthday celebration highlights ongoing tensions between celebrity privacy, event management protocols, and the expectations of content creators in Nigeria's rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape. As social media continues to transform how public figures interact with their audiences, such incidents raise important questions about boundaries, permissions, and equitable treatment within the industry.
