Why My Family Changed Its Surname from Ojukwu to Damasus – Stella Damasus

Nollywood actress Stella Damasus has opened up about her family’s decision to change their surname from Ojukwu to Damasus, a move made during the Nigerian Civil War to ensure their safety.

In an interview with media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Stella revealed that her family’s original surname was Ojukwu. However, the name became a source of danger during the Biafran conflict due to its association with the Biafran leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. At the time, individuals bearing the surname Ojukwu were often assumed to be relatives or close associates of the leader and were subsequently targeted by opposition forces.

Faced with the escalating risks, Stella’s family decided to change their surname to Damasus, which was her grandfather’s first name. She explained that the name Damasus has Greek origins, adding a unique touch to their family history. This decision, though critical for survival, also marked a significant transformation in their identity.

Stella shared this personal story to shed light on the struggles her family and many others endured during the civil war. The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, was a brutal conflict fought between 1967 and 1970, claiming millions of lives and displacing countless families.