By Emeka Blast 
Nigerian TikTok Star BigButFitNel Passes Away After Surgery, Fans Remember Body Positivity Icon
The Nigerian entertainment community is reeling from the tragic death of Vivian Chinelo, popularly known as BigButFitnelo, a beloved TikTok star celebrated for her vibrant dance videos and body positivity advocacy. Chinelo, aged 38, reportedly passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, following complications from a surgical procedure at Grandville Plastic Hospital in Lagos. Initial rumors suggested she underwent a tummy tuck, but later reports, including a statement from blogger Tattleroonng, clarified that she had been battling a hernia, which led to the fatal surgery. The news, first broken by Legit.ng and Gistlover, has triggered an outpouring of grief on social media, alongside calls for accountability in Nigeria’s medical sector.
Chinelo, whose TikTok handle @BigButFitnelo amassed over 500,000 followers, was known for her energetic dance routines and motivational content promoting self-love and fitness, despite her distinctive physique. Her videos, often showcasing her infectious energy and confidence, resonated with fans across Nigeria and beyond. A colleague, Nollywood producer Stanley Ontop, had publicly appealed for support to fund her treatment just days before her death, highlighting her struggle with the hernia. “We lost a gem. She fought hard, but the system failed her,” Ontop posted on Instagram, urging movie industry peers to honor her legacy.
Conflicting reports about the cause of death have fueled controversy. Early posts on X, including one from @NaijaGist, claimed Chinelo died during a cosmetic tummy tuck, sparking debates about the risks of elective surgeries. However, Tattleroonng’s update, corroborated by sources close to the family, confirmed the procedure was for a hernia, a condition Chinelo had battled for months. Fans on X expressed heartbreak, with @LagosVibes writing, “BigButFitnelo’s dance videos lit up our feeds. To think she was fighting a hernia all this time… RIP.” Another user, @TruthSeekerNG, questioned, “Was it really a hernia or a botched surgery? We need answers from Grandville Hospital!”
Grandville Plastic Hospital, known for its cosmetic and reconstructive expertise, has not issued an official statement, but sources told The PUNCH that the facility is cooperating with a Lagos State Health Ministry investigation. The ministry has ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, with preliminary findings expected by August 5. Nigeria’s Medical and Dental Council (MDCN) is also probing allegations of negligence, as some fans, like @FitFamNG, tweeted, “How does a routine hernia surgery end like this? Nigeria’s healthcare system needs an overhaul!”
The tragedy has reignited discussions about the safety of surgical procedures in Nigeria, where lax regulation and underfunded hospitals have led to high-profile medical mishaps. The case draws parallels to the 2023 death of a Lagos influencer who died during a cosmetic procedure, prompting calls for stricter oversight. The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) issued a statement urging the public to “await the investigation’s findings” while expressing condolences. Chinelo’s family has remained silent, though a relative told Vanguard News they are “devastated and seeking justice.”
Social media tributes poured in, with fans sharing clips of Chinelo’s viral dances. @AfrobeatsVibe posted, “BigButFitnelo brought joy to so many. Her energy was unmatched. Rest in peace, queen.” The hashtag #JusticeForBigButFitnelo trended on X, with over 10,000 posts by Wednesday evening. Her death follows other recent losses in Nigeria’s entertainment scene, including Nollywood director Rotimi Raji, who died in February 2025, amplifying calls for better healthcare access for public figures.
