My Family’s Surname, Ojukwu was Changed During Biafran War – Stella Damasus
Nollywood actress Stella Damasus has revealed that her family’s original surname, Ojukwu, was changed during the Nigerian civil war to avoid being targeted.
In an interview with media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Damasus explained that the decision was made during the Biafran war when people in her hometown of Asaba were attacked due to perceived ties to the late Biafran war general, Odumegwu Ojukwu.
“The name Damasus actually comes from my grandfather’s first name, which is of Greek origin,” the actress shared. “Our original surname was Ojukwu, but it was changed during the Biafran war because my family was being attacked in Asaba under the assumption that we were related to the same Ojukwu.”
Ebuka noted that many fans were surprised to learn about the actress’s true lineage, prompting Stella to reflect on the lasting impact of the civil war on her family’s history.
The actress, who was born into the name Damasus, expressed pride in her heritage while acknowledging the difficult circumstances that led to the change.
Watch the interview below.
