Stella Damasus, the popular Nigerian actress, has unveiled the reason behind her family’s surname change from Ojukwu to Damasus. In a candid conversation with renowned television host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu on Channels Television, Damasus shared the emotional and historical backdrop of how her family was forced to adopt a new name during the Nigerian Civil War (Biafran War) as a means of survival.
During the interview, which aired on Sunday, Damasus recounted how her family’s decision to change their surname was deeply rooted in the turbulent events of the late 1960s when the country was embroiled in a fierce civil conflict. According to the actress, the change was implemented to protect her family from potential persecution due to their Igbo heritage.
A Legacy of Fear and Survival
“My original surname was Ojukwu, but during the Biafran war, my people in Asaba were under attack,” Stella Damasus explained. “The name was changed before I was born, and I grew up with the name Damasus,” she continued, her voice reflecting the gravity of the situation. For many Nigerians, the Ojukwu name resonates with the Biafran struggle and the political figure Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the leader of the secessionist Biafra Republic, whose influence and legacy were controversial during the war.
Damasus revealed that, as the conflict raged on, those with ties to the Igbo ethnic group faced grave risks. “It was for survival, and there was nothing I could do about it,” she said, underlining the gravity of the decision. The decision to change the family name was not just a matter of personal choice, but one born out of necessity in a nation where ethnic tensions ran high and many families were targeted based on their regional and tribal identities.
The shift to the name Damasus—her grandfather’s first name—was, as the actress explained, a safeguard against any retaliatory actions that might be directed toward her family. “Damasus was my grandfather’s first name—it’s a Greek name,” Damasus explained. The name change was not only about survival but also about protecting her family from being caught up in the crossfire of a war that devastated the southeastern region of Nigeria.
The Struggle With Mispronunciations
Aside from the deep-rooted historical significance of her family’s name change, Stella Damasus also addressed the frequent mispronunciation of her surname over the years. The actress, who has become a household name through her roles in Nollywood films, shared her frustration with people repeatedly getting her surname wrong.
“It’s interesting that many people didn’t realize your surname wasn’t what they thought it was. I always knew it was Damasus, but so many people assumed it was Damascus. Were you surprised by that?” Ebuka Obi-Uchendu asked, drawing a light-hearted moment from Damasus during the interview.
She responded with a mixture of amusement and disbelief. “Over the years, I’ve corrected it in so many interviews that I thought people would have caught on. But I was still shocked. People still think it’s Damascus, not Damasus. I understand why—they got used to it and didn’t bother to change. It’s funny, and I’ve seen comments that really blew my mind.”
A Name Marked by History and Resilience
For Stella Damasus, the surname change represents not just the preservation of her family’s safety but also a part of her identity shaped by history and resilience. It also highlights the personal sacrifices that many Nigerian families made during the Biafran War, which left lasting scars on the nation’s psyche. The name Damasus, now associated with the successful actress, also tells a story of survival amid a time of national crisis.
As Damasus continues to build her career and legacy in the entertainment industry, she remains aware of the heavy weight that her family’s history carries. “When I asked about the name change, I was told it was for survival,” she explained. For Damasus, embracing the name Damasus is not just about reclaiming her identity, but also acknowledging the sacrifices her family made during one of the most tumultuous periods in Nigeria’s history.
Her revelation has opened the door for deeper conversations about the Biafran War, the ethnic tensions of the time, and the long-term impact on the families who lived through it. It also reminds Nigerians of the resilience of their people, even when faced with unimaginable challenges.
