Supreme Eiye Confraternity Explained

Supreme Eiye Confraternity
Letters:SEC
Coat Of Arms:Supreme_Eiye_Confraternity_coat_of_arms.jpg
Birthplace:University of Ibadan
Affiliation:Independent
Type:Confraternity
Scope:International
Status:Active
Colors: Blue and White
Symbol:Eagle
Nickname:Fliers, Airforce, and Airlords
Free Label:Other name
Free:National Association of Airlords
City:Ibadan
State:Oyo State
Country:Nigeria

The Supreme Eiye Confraternity (SEC), also known as the National Association of Airlords (NAA), is a confraterenity in Nigeria. It was established in 1965.

History

The Supreme Eiye Confraternity was established at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria in 1965 as the Eiye Group.[1] [2] [3] Its founders were students Goke Adeniji, Bayo Adenubi, Tunde Aluko, Bode Fadase, Dele Nwakpele, Kayode Oke, and Bode Sowunmi. Its purpose is "to uphold the core nature of the African culture with a commitment to excellence" and "to make [a] positive impact on the socio-political psyche of Nigeria and ensure complete break away from [the] colonial/imperial cultural domination of the time". In 1969, it became the Supreme Eiye Confraternity (SEC).

The group registered with the government as the National Association of Airlords (NAA). It has added chapters or forums throughout Nigeria and countries in North Africa, West Africa, the Middle East, and Western Europe. The majority of its members are teenagers, college students, and recent college graduates.

Symbols

The name Eiye is Yoruba for bird, coming from the expression eiye o ni sa sun, on buta or "a bird has no pot, yet feeds itself".[4] Its symbols is an eagle. Members have a bird tattoo on the back of their left arm.[5] Cities with a chapter are called nests, with its "mother nest" being in Ibadan.

The confraternity's colors are blue and white.[6] Members wear fez caps, inscribed with the date 6:15. The group celebrates its anniversary on June 15.

Its leader is called a Capone, referring to American gangster Al Capone. Members are referred to as Fliers, Airforce, and Airlords.

Controversies and member misconduct

Although formed as a student group, the BBC reports that it has become a crime group, with many members committing violence and crimes in Nigeria and abroad, including drug trafficking, passport forgery, and sex trafficking. The Guardian has called it a "secret cult". The Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices of Nigeria Police Force calls the Supreme Aiye Confraternity a "dangerous and unlawful group".

Its initiation ceremonies include beatings and hazing, often requiring recruits to commit crimes such as armed robbery, "obligatory rapes", or physical attacks on faculty members. Some former members claim they were kidnapped and forced to join during the group's celebrations.

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: Odinkalu . Chidi Anselm . Banditry in Nigeria – A Brief History of A Long War . October 14, 2024 . Premium Times.
  2. Web site: 2016-04-08 . Nigeria: The Eiye confraternity, including origin, purpose, structure, membership, recruitment methods, activities and areas of operation; state response (2014-March 2016) [NGA105490.E] ]. 2024-10-14 . Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada . en.
  3. Web site: Akinosho . Lekan . August 9, 2008 . The Role Of Confraternities In Nation-Building: Nigeria As Case Study . October 14, 2024 . National Association Of Airl Lords (N.A.A.) Canada Chapter.
  4. News: 2016-01-27 . The world of Nigeria's sex-trafficking 'Air Lords' . 2024-10-14 . BBC News . en-GB.
  5. Web site: Usman . Evelyn . April 23, 2017 . My horrifying Eiye confraternity initiation . October 14, 2024 . Vanguard.
  6. Web site: 2024-06-15 . Beware as Eiye Confraternity celebrates Day – POCACOV warns parents, youths, hoteliers . 2024-10-14 . Oyo Reporters . en-US.