Nigerian actress Stella Damasus recently made a fascinating revelation about her heritage that has left many of her fans and followers intrigued.
In a heartfelt interview, Damasus opened up about how her original surname was “Ojukwu,” a name that she shared with the famous Nigerian military leader and politician, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
However, she revealed that during the Nigerian Civil War, commonly known as the Biafra War, her surname was changed for safety reasons after her family was attacked due to the mistaken belief that they were related to Odumegwu Ojukwu.
The actress, who has gained widespread recognition for her roles in Nollywood films and her work as an advocate for women’s empowerment, shared the emotional and historical significance of this change in her identity.
According to Damasus, her family faced great danger during the war due to the widespread hostility towards the Ojukwu name, which was associated with the Biafran leader who led the secessionist movement during the civil conflict.
"During the Biafra war, my people were attacked because they thought we were related to Odumegwu Ojukwu," Damasus revealed.
The actress went on to explain that as a result of these attacks and the fear of further violence, her family decided to change their surname to avoid further conflict and persecution.
The Biafra War, which lasted from 1967 to 1970, was one of the most devastating conflicts in Nigerian history.
It was fought between the Nigerian government and the secessionist state of Biafra, which declared its independence under the leadership of Odumegwu Ojukwu.
The war resulted in a tremendous loss of life, particularly among the Igbo people, and left lasting scars on families and communities across Nigeria.
For Damasus’s family, the decision to change their surname was a matter of survival, as the name "Ojukwu" had become synonymous with the Biafran cause and its opposition to the Nigerian government.
"We were not the same as the Ojukwu that everyone feared," Damasus clarified, emphasizing that her family had no political affiliation with the Biafran leader.
Despite this, the association was enough to put their lives at risk, forcing them to distance themselves from the name in order to protect themselves during the chaotic and violent period of the war.
Damasus’s story highlights the personal impact of the Nigerian Civil War, showing how it affected not only those who directly participated in the conflict but also the families and individuals who were caught in the crossfire.
For many, the war was not just a political struggle, but a fight for survival in a country torn apart by ethnic divisions and nationalistic tensions.
The actress’s revelation has sparked renewed discussions about the legacy of the Biafran War and its continued impact on the identities of Nigerians, particularly those from the southeastern region, where the Igbo ethnic group predominantly resides.
Damasus, who was born in the city of Benin in the south-south region of Nigeria, spoke candidly about how the experience of her family’s name change shaped her understanding of identity and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
"My family had to sacrifice a part of who we were to survive. It was a difficult decision, but it was necessary," she said.
Though she never fully embraced the decision to change her surname, Damasus understands the gravity of the situation and how it was a survival tactic in a time of extreme fear and uncertainty.
Her story also sheds light on the wider challenges faced by many Nigerian families during the war, particularly those who were targeted because of their ethnic background or perceived political associations.
In recent years, Damasus has become a vocal advocate for women’s rights and social justice, using her platform to speak out on issues such as domestic violence, education, and gender equality.
Her openness about her past is a testament to her resilience and her willingness to confront difficult truths about her heritage in order to inspire others.
The actress’s personal revelation has also ignited conversations about the importance of understanding and acknowledging the complex history of Nigeria, especially in light of the ongoing challenges faced by the country in its efforts to heal from the wounds of the past.
Damasus’s experience is not unique, as many Nigerians from various ethnic backgrounds have their own stories of loss, survival, and resilience in the face of conflict.
For those who lived through the Biafran War, the memories of the violence and hardship continue to shape their identities and their relationships with the nation as a whole.
The war may have ended decades ago, but its legacy is still felt in many ways, particularly in the way that Nigerians perceive each other and the names they carry.
Damasus’s decision to speak out about her family’s past is an important contribution to this ongoing conversation, offering a personal perspective on a dark chapter in Nigerian history.
“I’ve learned that who you are is not just about the name you carry,” Damasus said.
“It’s about the strength you have to overcome the obstacles in your life and the courage to continue moving forward, no matter what.”
Her story also serves as a reminder that while names can carry great significance, it is the resilience and determination of individuals that truly define who they are.
Today, Damasus is known not only for her acting career but also for her work as an advocate for social change.
She continues to use her platform to bring attention to important issues affecting women and marginalized communities, particularly in Nigeria.
Her revelation about her family’s name change during the Biafran War is a poignant reminder of the deep scars left by conflict and the ways in which individuals and families are forced to adapt in order to survive.
In sharing her story, Damasus has given a voice to those who may have been silenced by history, and in doing so, she has become a powerful symbol of resilience, strength, and the importance of embracing one’s true identity, regardless of the challenges that may come.
Comments