Meet Chioma Ikokwu: The Real Housewives of Lagos

Chioma Ikokwu is a lawyer, co-founder, and CEO of the luxury hair brand Good Hair Ltd. She also co-owns a restaurant and lounge called Brass and Copper. She runs a women and children-focused charity called the Goodway foundation and is quite popular on social media for her fashion, luxury, lifestyle, and influence. Chioma is the only member of Showmax’s The Real Housewives of Lagos cast that has never been married. 

Meet Chioma

Despite that, she’s only one in several women across the ‘Real Housewives’ franchise that have never been married, just like LaConco in Durban, who was engaged for two years before she called it off. She’s also the only cast member that doesn’t have any children, which means she brings a unique angle into the show. 

We caught up with the busy bee and latest member of the Real Housewives league to have a quick chat. Here’s what she had to say:

What attracted you to this franchise and how did you feel when you got it? 

I thought it was an exciting opportunity when I heard about the Real Housewives of Lagos. I mean, who doesn’t know Real Housewives? First of all, I was like, umm but I’m not married, so it doesn’t make any sense. I’m not technically a housewife. Then I decided, “actually let’s see what happens. Let’s see what opportunities it presents. Let’s see what the other ladies are saying. Maybe they could add value to my life or perhaps I could add to theirs” 

On meeting the ladies for the first time when we started shooting I was a little bit shocked at the selection of women and assumed that we would have absolutely nothing in common as we’re all from very different backgrounds and works of life. However, as I’ve gotten to know some of these women better I’m happy to be a part of such an interesting project. It’s going great. Everyone’s relaxed and vibing. I’m super excited.

In your own words, what does it mean to be a Real Housewife of Lagos?

So, because I’m not a housewife, it can’t just be about being a housewife. Heck, hardly any of these women are literal “housewives”. I honestly think being a Real Housewife of Lagos means being a boss-babe, a go-getter, and making that paper and that’s definitely my thing. 

Can you describe your style?

I think that my style is classy, sophisticated, and sometimes edgy.

Watch the trailer for The Real Housewives of Lagos

What is the hardest part about being in front of the cameras? 

I own the cameras. There’s nothing hard about being in front of the cameras. The cameras were made for me. It’s like second nature to me. I love it. I’m having fun. To me, it’s not that serious. I don’t get offended about working overtime or 20 people in my space daily. I’m very hardworking; my work ethic is second to none. So, if we need to shoot for two hours, that’s fine. If it takes 12 hours, that’s fine. Whatever works. I’m pretty easy to shoot.

What are you 100% about?  

I’m 100% about making that money. I’m an Igbo girl from Oba, Anambra; we don’t play. Making money is in our DNA, so that’s one thing. I don’t play with work. I’m always looking for different opportunities to grow and advance. And of course my family. I’m obsessed with my family from head to toe. So, work and family.

What has been your highlight since you started shooting The Real Housewives Of Lagos?

The highlight has to be bringing my family on set. I didn’t know they were going to embarrass me with the kind of questions they threw at me. I thought my family would come and we’ll just have cute family time, next thing I started getting Nigerian parent questions like; “So when are you getting married?” “Who’s the man?” “How many are there?” They finished me oh. Loll. That has to be my highlight honestly. My family have zero chill.

Who in your life knows you the best and why? 

I’m going to say Kika. She is my business partner, best friend, and sister. Kika probably knows me best because we talk about everything every single day. We don’t miss a beat. So, she probably knows everything, and she’s been with me pretty much every step of the way in business, life, and relationships. We also fight each other’s battles so the love is deep.

Second would be my sister Adanna. She’s been obsessed with me since I was born and she was 3 years old (she’ll kill me if she hears this haha) but yeah she makes it a point to know my every move in life and she’s like Mary mother of Jesus so I try to hide some things from her but it’s near impossible as we speak practically every day so yeah those 2 for sure.

Why should audiences watch? What makes RHOLagos unique?  

The Real Housewives of Lagos will be super interesting, and I’m not just saying this because I’m on the show. I think there will be a character that every person in Nigeria can relate to. You have people from opposite ends of the spectrum, however, you choose to interpret that (side eye). There are different personalities, and the fashion I dare say is incredible. There’s a little bit of drama, and I know people love drama. You’ll probably learn a lot, especially about the culture. There’s a lot to see, it’s just pure vibes. It’s going to be the best thing as far as Africa and reality TV is concerned so go renew your Showmax subscription, get your popcorn ready and prepare to be glued to your TV screens. 

Catch Chioma Ikokwu on The Real Housewives of Lagos on Showmax from April 8, with new episodes showing every Friday.