Who is Wendy Osefo's mother? 'RHOP' star's Nigerian mum accused of using voodoo against costar Nneka Ihim's family
POTOMAC, MARYLAND: Wendy Osefo's mother, Iyom Susan Okuzu, has already caused quite a commotion in 'The Real Housewives of Potomac' Season 8. But this time things went a bit too far as she was accused of employing voodoo magic on Nneka Ihim's family.
During her debut on 'RHOP', Wendy revealed her mother to the public as they share a close bond and delved deep into their relationship in her book, 'Tears of My Mother'.
According to the book, "Wendy Osefo's mother, Iyom Susan Okuzu, arrived in the United States from Nigeria with two things: a single suitcase and the fierce determination to make a better life for herself and her future family."
The book expands on Iyom's profound connection to her Nigerian culture, as well as Wendy's insights into how this helped shape her into the woman she is today. However, one component of her culture has caused considerable controversy on the Bravo show.
Nneka joined the Real Housewives and plunged deeply into the controversy, especially when it comes to being distant with Wendy.
Recently, she revealed, "When her sister was calling, the mama said, 'I have a shrine.' A shrine is voodoo'," to Candiace Dillard Bassett. She even claimed that the witchcraft accusations were made by her husband's parents.
"I heard and I'm aware of the phone calls that your sister made to my in-law about me being part of this group. And I'm aware of the phone call that your mom made to my in-law saying that she submitted my name to a shrine," elaborated Nneka.
Wendy simply answered that she had nothing to do with her mother's conduct, but she also asserted that her mother had no connection to voodoo.
Wendy Osefo dismisses 'RHOP' co-star Nneka Ihim's 'Osu' claims
'RHOP' fans rallied for Wendy's mother, Iyom, when Ashley Darby, who is also from Nigeria, accused her of being from the "cursed" Osu tribe.
Ashley was blamed for sparking a schism between Wendy and newcomer Nneka on 'RHOP' due to a "false" assault on her family.
"I may have implied that to Wendy that Nneka was, like, sort of implying that Wendy was Osu," said Ashley.
In 2020, Wendy responded to accusations, clarifying that her mother comes from Anambra State, not Imo State, where the "Osu" people dwell, and her father lacks the heritage.
Her sister is also said to have done a background check regarding the accusations to exclude any possibility of mental illness or "Osu" ancestry in either party. There were reportedly no "negative findings" from the search.
Wendy, according to Ashley, is an "Osu," which her Nigerian friends associate with being a social outcast. "What did Nneka say?" asked Karen Huger, and Ashley replied, "Here's the thing, Nneka didn't say anything!"
"So, you made this s**t up?" noted, along with, "Were you being messy?" "No, I misremembered," stated Ashley, claiming that her memory of the event had altered since it occurred.
Ashley later expressed regret and stated that she "wants to set that record straight."
Nigerian fans disappointed with false representation on 'RHOP'
Exploring cultural parallels and differences is always a complicated subject, but voodoo is a unique practice that should not be tossed around carelessly. Indeed, in an op-ed for Collider, Sheridan Singleton voiced worry that the show's talks created a troubling narrative surrounding Nigerian spirituality.
Sheridan first pointed out that while Nneka and Wendy's families are Igbo, the latter's family is Catholic. Notably, Christianity became the main religion in Nigeria following the region's colonization.
"That aside, even if her family did blend other spiritual practices in with their Catholicism, it certainly wasn’t voodoo. The word voodoo invokes certain feelings and ideas thanks to its portrayal in pop culture. Those portrayals, for the most part, are grossly incorrect," noted Sheridan.
Nneka Ihim's husband blocks schoolmate Wendy Osefo's husband as 'RHOP' girls' feud intensifies
Nneka's husband, Iyke Ihim, decided to approach Wendy's husband, Edward "Eddie" Osefo, over being unfriended on Facebook. When questioned, Eddie, like Wendy, went into full deflection mode and stated that he didn't know Iyke.
Gizelle Bryant, who was observing from the corner, stated, "Eddie doesn't want that smoke," referring to his mood.
'The Real Housewives of Potomac' Season 8 airs on Sundays on Bravo at 8 pm ET