Media Person, IK Osakioduwa Shares Personal Details About Why He Stopped Using His Father’s Name

Nigerian media personality, IK Osakioduwa has shared the personal story behind why he changed his surname — a decision he says marked a major turning point in his life and career.

The dad of two, disclosed this during a conversation with actress and host Nancy Isime on her show, where he described how the decision to drop his former surname came after a personal moment of identity awakening at a military hospital in Ikeja.

IK recalled visiting a military hospital in Ikeja with his father, a serving Nigerian Army officer, when a routine name registration sparked a moment of reflection. He said:

“I thought to myself, ‘I’m almost a full-on adult. And I’m still saying I’m so-and-so’s son?’ That moment made me realise I needed to wake up and start building my own identity.”

At the time, his surname was Obiara, but IK said he began questioning everything, especially after reading about the biblical story of Jacob’s name change. He continued:

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“I started researching my own name. Then I discovered my surname is embedded in some deity somewhere. I’m like, what does that mean? No, I’m a Christian. So I was like, okay, I want a different name.”

What followed was a four-year effort to convince his father to approve the change. With silent support from his mother and much prayer, he eventually chose “Osakioduwa.” He explained further:

“I know ‘Osa’ is God. ‘Ioduwa’ means God opens the door to wealth. Like… now that’s a name.”

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Looking back, IK says the decision was life-changing. According to him:

“That name literally changed my life. My door to wealth opened.”