Nneka Ihim has confirmed she won’t be returning for the ninth season of “The Real Housewives of Potomac.”
The 36-year-old lawyer and entrepreneur, known for her remarkable presence and quick wit, confirmed her decision publicly through an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, addressing the swirling rumors about her departure.
“I will not be returning for season 9 of RHOP,” she told PEOPLE.
Nneka’s exit follows a personal decision to prioritize her family expansion efforts after facing challenges with fertility treatments.
“After multiple failed fertility procedures, I have decided to make expanding my family my ultimate priority,” Nneka shared.
“Thank you to the fans that have supported me along the way this season, especially regarding my difficult IUI turned IVF journey, and the stigma surrounding infertility. All of the kind remarks have genuinely kept me uplifted and have fueled my determination to continue to share my story,” she continued.
Expressing her gratitude, Nneka also thanked Bravo and Truly Original for the opportunity to be a part of the RHOP cast, where she has formed “lifetime friendships with some incredible women.” Although she’s stepping back from the show, she assured fans that as a true Potomac resident, she won’t be disappearing from the public eye completely.
Before joining the reality series in its eighth season, Nneka had a vibrant career and personal life. She practiced law in Los Angeles for nearly a decade after earning her degree from the University of Wisconsin. It was in LA that she met her husband, Dr. Ikenna Ihim, and the couple later moved to Potomac, embarking on their journey to start a family. Aside from her legal career, Nneka is also an entrepreneur, having founded an alcoholic beverage company called Bido and running a nonprofit named A Life of Lux.
Her time on RHOP was marked by both camaraderie and conflict, notably clashing with fellow Nigerian Housewife Dr. Wendy Osefo. Unfortunately, the season ended without resolution between the two.
Nneka’s departure makes her the third cast member to leave following season 8, alongside Candiace Dillard Bassett and Robyn Dixon, who have also exited the series.
