The show’s been praised for its representation of Nigerian culture, particularly thanks to Dr. Wendy Osefo and the introduction of Nneka Ihim in season 8. But a recent episode has caused some viewers to wonder what is Os* in RHOP and others have drawn issue with Wendy’s definition of it because they felt like she misrepresented its meaning.
The Real Housewives of Potomac is Bravo’s reality TV series following the personal and professional lives of wealthy women living in Potomac, Maryland. The series—which is a part of Bravo’s Real Housewives franchise featuring 11 cities across the world—premiered in 2016 and is the eighth installment in the Real Housewives franchise.
The Real Housewives of Potomac Season 8 cast includes Wendy, Nneka, Gizelle Bryant, Ashley Darby, Robyn Dixon, Karen Huger, Candiace Dillard Bassett, and Mia Thornton. The cast also includes Friends of Charrisse Jackson-Jordan and Keiana Stewart. Nneka is married to Dr. Ikenna “Iyke” Ihim, a board-certified medical doctor, philanthropist, and night lounge investor.
In Season 8, Episode 2, the topic of Wendy being Os* or, rather, Ashley Darby’s lie about Wendy being Os* was a major plot point and some fans were upset about Wendy’s representation of it. So what is Os* on RHOP and why are fans so divided?
What is Os*? To understand the root of Wendy and Nneka’s feud, some context is required first. In Nigerian culture, “Os*” refers to a social caste system among the Igbo ethnic group. The term “Os*” historically designated individuals considered outcasts or untouchables due to their perceived association with deities or spirits.
Efforts have been made to eradicate the “Os*” caste system, as it is seen as discriminatory and contrary to modern principles of equality and human rights. In 1956, Nnamdi Azikiwe, then the premier of Eastern Nigeria and later the first president of Nigeria, spearheaded the passage of a law aimed at abolishing Os* and its social disadvantages.
Both Wendy and Nneka have said they are Igbo. According to Brittanica, “Traditional Igbo religion includes belief in a creator god (Chukwu or Chineke), an earth goddess (Ala), and numerous other deities and spirits as well as a belief in ancestors who protect their living descendants. Revelation of the will of the deities is sought by divination and oracles.” After colonization occurred completely in Nigeria, the predominant religion became Christianity. Brittanica states, “Many Igbo are now Christians, some practicing a syncretic version of Christianity intermingled with indigenous beliefs.”
“Wendy’s family is the Western equivalent of the ‘wrong side of the tracks,” an insider shared with AllAboutTheTea.com. “Her family and their ancestors have had bad reputations because of evils stemming from past generations. They are ‘os*,’ essentially cursed.”
Taking information from the article above, Ashley told Wendy that Nneka considered her an “Os*”, meaning “outcast”—a definition that some fans thought was reductive. “As a Nigerian, this Os* thing is no joke,this is wicked ,careless,reliving. Please you guys need to read on this. Families have been torn apart, for Ashley to use this means she did her research, knew the implications and still went on to use it. Ashley is desperate, this is so random for a Nigerian not to talk of a non Nigerian. If Ashley continues this way reality tv or not,it won’t end well for her. [sic],” a fan wrote in the comments section of YouTube.
Another said: “Listen, as a full-blooded Igbo person, someone who believes in the well-being of the Igbo nation, you should never be seen talking about Os* cast. I’m not saying this because I’m an outcast … well if you think I am, that is your business! My problem is I can’t lay my hands on significant reasons for the stigma. There is no danger in associating with them [Os*], so why would someone who claims to be a doctor project her tribe poorly on a global TV [show]? Some of these people you stigmatize don’t even know the story, nor believe in it.”
But the fact is that being Os* is highly nuanced. According to The Life, “The Os* Caste System is an ancient practice in Igboland that discourages social interaction and marriage with a group of people, referred to as Os* (outcasts). This is because they dedicate these Os* people to the Alusis (deities) and are thus seen as inferior to the Nwadiala (free-borns).” It’s outdated, so basically if Wendy’s family has Os* origins, it’s nothi ng to be ashamed of.
