The Supreme Eiye Confraternity (SEC), also known as the National Association of Airlords (NAA), is a confraterenity in Nigeria. It was established in 1965.
| Supreme Eiye Confraternity | |
|---|---|
| SEC | |
 | |
| Founded | 1965 University of Ibadan |
| Type | Confraternity |
| Affiliation | Independent |
| Status | Active |
| Scope | International |
| Colors | Blue and White |
| Symbol | Eagle |
| Nickname | Fliers, Airforce, and Airlords |
| Other name | National Association of Airlords |
| Headquarters | Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria |
History
editThe 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.[3] 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".[2] In 1969, it became the Supreme Eiye Confraternity (SEC).[3]
The group registered with the government as the National Association of Airlords (NAA).[2] It has added chapters or forums throughout Nigeria and countries in North Africa, West Africa, the Middle East, and Western Europe.[2] The majority of its members are teenagers, college students, and recent college graduates.[2]
Symbols
editThe 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".[3][4] Its symbols is an eagle.[4] 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.[4]
The confraternity's colors are blue and white.[6] Members wear fez caps, inscribed with the date 6:15.[6] The group celebrates its anniversary on June 15.[6]
Its leader is called a Capone, referring to American gangster Al Capone.[2] Members are referred to as Fliers, Airforce, and Airlords.
Controversies and member misconduct
editAlthough 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.[2][4] The Guardian has called it a "secret cult".[2] The Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices of Nigeria Police Force calls the Supreme Aiye Confraternity a "dangerous and unlawful group".[6]
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.[2][5] Some former members claim they were kidnapped and forced to join during the group's celebrations.[5]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Odinkalu, Chidi Anselm. "Banditry in Nigeria – A Brief History of A Long War". Premium Times. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Nigeria: The Eiye confraternity, including origin, purpose, structure, membership, recruitment methods, activities and areas of operation; state response (2014-March 2016) [NGA105490.E]". Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. 2016-04-08. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ a b c d Akinosho, Lekan (August 9, 2008). "The Role Of Confraternities In Nation-Building: Nigeria As Case Study". National Association Of Airl Lords (N.A.A.) Canada Chapter. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
- ^ a b c d "The world of Nigeria's sex-trafficking 'Air Lords'". BBC News. 2016-01-27. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ a b c Usman, Evelyn (April 23, 2017). "My horrifying Eiye confraternity initiation". Vanguard. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Beware as Eiye Confraternity celebrates Day – POCACOV warns parents, youths, hoteliers". Oyo Reporters. 2024-06-15. Retrieved 2024-10-14.