- Source: Supreme Eiye Confraternity
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. 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". Its symbols is an eagle. Members have a bird tattoo on the back of their left arm. Cities with a chapter are called nests, with its "mother nest" being in Ibadan.
The confraternity's colors are blue and white. 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
Confraternities in Nigeria
List of confraternities in Nigeria
