Cultism In Nigeria: Causes, Effects and Solutions: Just before Nigeria gained independence in 1960, many activistic movements aimed at removing the colonialists’ control over the people of Nigeria. Some expressed their desire for a united Nigeria free from colonialist control, while others chose to do so in an amicable manner.
What is cultism in civic education?
Cultism is a secretive ritual practice that involves a group of people.
Cultism is a serious social problem in Nigerian society. It is practiced on campuses, in schools, and outside of school environments. Different cults exist in villages, towns, and streets. Nigerians are suffering from a variety of cults that have caused significant damage to their properties and lives.
History of Cultism and Nigeria
Wole Soyinka was a leader in instilling the values of Nigerian heritage among Nigerians. He wanted youths to feel proud of their roots and promote a sense of belonging. This was the central point of The Pirates Confraternity Elite, a University College, Ibadan’s first social association (Cult), founded by Wole Soyinka on 22 May 1952.
This was, historically speaking, a significant step in the right direction for the Nigerian youths who were passionate about her freedom and the rights of her true citizens. As the group grew, so did egos. Self-centeredness also began to grow. The unit split because there was no unity of purpose, and some members ignored the main plan.
Members not in line with the Confraternity’s standards were expelled and formed another association, the National Association of Seadogs, around the 1970s. Now, we are witness to the formation of many secret societies. The Social Association, originally non-violent, became a militarized organization of people with sinister activities and criminality.
These cult groups began to ignore the main plan to preserve the country’s heritage and instead focused on their interests. These cult groups started to appear in secondary and tertiary institutions. As the youth continued to engage in the vilest practices, Cultism spread beyond schools.
What is the core message of any secret society, you ask? No matter how many cult groups may be fighting one another, the main purpose of any secret society is to protect each member’s interests by all means necessary. The unity of the plan does not mean that any member will be able to destroy lives or property. It is amazing how times have changed.
All cult groups are now considered unholy associations, and participating in them will result in legal sanctions or prosecution. A cultism is a group of incubated criminals. It has been outlawed in schools and largely in this country.
Types of cultism in Nigeria
In 1952, idealistic young men founded the confraternity network in Nigeria. This was during the final years of British colonial rule. They were peacefully protesting against the elitism of middle-class Nigerians. While some groups may be more violent than others today, not all members are guilty of crimes.
While some confraternities in Nigeria hide their symbols and share the information with their members, other cults don’t keep their signs secret. These are the symbols and signs of cultism found in Nigeria.
Pyrate Confraternity, The National Associations of Sea Dogs
Pyrates was the first movement of cultism in Nigeria. In 1952, Wole Soyinka, Nobel Prize-winning author, and his friends from the University of Ibadan, Oyo State (Aig Imoukhuede Pius Olegbe Ralph Opara Nat Oyelola, Ralph Opara, and Olumuyiwa Awe), formed the group. Later, they were called the Sea Dogs. They had three goals:
In the 1960s, a group of Pyrates members split to create Secret Cults. Wole Soyinka called today’s Confraternities vile, depraved groups. However, he is still a member of the Pyrates, committed to charitable and humanitarian endeavors.
The controversial secret cult of the Sea Dogs in Nigeria’s University System is known as the Nigerian University System. Although they have been implicated in crimes, they also aid society. Calling all to join our 2021 prostate cancer awareness campaign.
The cult symbol was a skull, two crossbones, and an anchor. They oppose convention (an agreement between states that covers particular issues) and tribalism, supporting knighthood and humanistic ideas/partnerships.
The Buccaneers broke away from the group, ending their heydays. To distance themselves from violence, the Pyrates’ leadership left campuses in 1984. It does not recruit students anymore.
Buccaneers Confraternity (The National Associations of Sea Lords).
Bolaji Carew was the leader of a group expelled in 1972 from Pyrate Confraternity. They founded the Buccaneers, also known as the National Associations of Sea Lords, and were more powerful than their mother cult.
Numerous cults are found in Nigeria because students who did not meet Buccaneers’ high academic and intellectual standards chose to start their own organizations. Their ceremonies and symbols are reminiscent of the Seadogs.
The Seadogs flourish because some students join the group, fearing being hurt by rival cults such as the Black Axe or Pyrate Confraternity. The Sea Lords members call themselves Fine boys (Ban Boys), Bucketmen, and Lords, among other things.
- There is no price; there is no pay.
- There are no brothers in the wood.
- There is no laughing aboard.
- Blood for blood.
- The devil who leads you will guide you.
Black Axe
Black Axe is a highly feared confraternity within Nigeria. It was founded by students from the University of Benin, Benin City, in 1976 to combat the oppression of Blackman (students in universities). The Neo-black Movement of Africa, a South African organization, is believed to have runaways the Black Axe founders.
They fought apartheid South Africa and fled to Nigeria to escape it. Black Axe’s symbol, the axe, refers to its members as Aye, Axemen, Seven (7), or Amigos. These are their beliefs and sayings.
- The Blackman will be released with an axe.
- There are no f*ckups.
- Forgiveness can be a sin.
- Do not betray your brother in arms.
- Avoid complaining and avoid apathy.
- He who pays must pay.
Supreme Vikings Confraternity
In 1982, some former members of the University of Port Harcourt Buccaneers formed the Supreme Vikings Confraternity. The original name of the group was the De Norsemen Club of Nigeria. The symbol of this movement is SVC (two cross axes and one boat). Members call themselves Aromates, Adventurers, or Vultures. They believe and say the following:
- High seas blood.
- Songs of Hojas
- Never hang a leg.
- Even when death is imminent
Supreme Eiye Confraternity and Air Lords
In 1963, the University of Ibadan students established Supreme Eiye Confraternity, also known as Air Lords or HABA-KRIER. It was created to positively impact the members’ social-political and cultural development.
The movement’s motto is “There are no enemies, there’s no friends; only a confraternity and discipline.” The symbol of the movement is a landing Eagle, and members are called Fliers, Airforce, Airlords, etc.
Deby Na debt
Deby Na borrowed ideas from a California cult, where members worship Ogor. The symbol of the demon is an image of a skull of a human believed to represent a mad person.
Deby Na debt can also be called the Eternal Fraternity Order of Legion Consortium. It borrowed ideas and members from a California cult. They call themselves Klansmen (Klansman singular). They swear loyalty to their mission and take an oath of loyalty. These are the Klansmen’s sayings
- The affairs of a Klansman are more important than any other aspect of life.
- All klansmen should be concerned about what concerns a klansman.
- It is impossible to consider or determine the status of other members of cults.
- All members must swear secrecy.
- A peaceful man in a dangerous mood agrees to disagree.
Ciao-Sons and Mafia cultism
This group is also known as the Family Fraternity or Cosanosyra Mafia Confraternity. The Ciao-Sons was founded at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, in 1978. It began operations in Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife in 1980.
The American and Italian mafias inspired their ideologies. They host secret parties, gamble, date women, keep secrets, believe in revenge against oppression, and attend secret parties. They are called Maf or Mafians and chant these sayings.
- A non-initiate b*astard should provoke/chance a member than for a numbered b*astard, members of other cults.
- Retaliation for oppression
- Our power is in secrecy.
Names of Nigerian female cultism.
Most founders of female cults tend to be university students. Most of them are either girlfriends or coworkers of secret cult members. Their ideologies are based on the beliefs and missions of men’s brotherhoods.
In Nigeria, female cultism is about women coming together to attain a sacred goal. They often meet in remote areas or forests to perform rituals, sing spells and invocations, and chant them. Many women have confessed to being part of these cults and participating in their activities.
Kegite club
Kegite club is one of the few remaining women’s movements still alive today. Some people consider it a cult. Others see it as a social group since it doesn’t follow the principles of wealth, power, fame, and revenge.
Kegite is a sociocultural movement that supports unity in diversity and promotes regeneration of the mind and soul after a long day. Kegite members are open-minded, accept all ethnicities, and are true to their beliefs.
Kegite’s ideology is not like cults. It has no negative consequences, such as fear, death, crime, or loss of moral values. This movement’s symbol is very close to nature and is represented by a green palm.
Black Bra Confraternity, Axe Queens
The Neo-Black Queen of Africa is also known as the Black Bra Confraternity. It is one of the most prominent women’s cults in Nigeria. It encouraged women of color to develop, and members wore black from head to toe.
Daughters of Jezebel
The most well-known female confraternity is the Daughters of Jezebel. The coded language used by members is called “Daughters of Jezebel.” Because of their top-secret activities, very little information is available about the group.
Here is a list of all types of cultism found in Nigeria
Although there are many more women cults than men in Nigeria, they are not well-known. While some have been in the news, the media has yet to provide much information about them. Here’s a list of cults in Nigeria.
- Pyrate Confraternity, The National Associations of Sea Dogs
- Buccaneers Confraternity, The National Associations of Sea Lords
- Black Axe
- Supreme Vikings Confraternity
- Supreme Eiye Confraternity and Air Lords
- Deby Na debt
- Ciao-Sons and mafia cultism
- Red Sea
- Black Cobra of Ife
- Friends Fraternity
- Mgbamgba Brothers
- Men who love snow
- The Blood Spot
Cults for females
- Kegite club
- Black Bra Confraternity (Axe Queens).
- Daughters of Jezebel
- Blue Angels
- Marine Girls
- Daughters of the Knight
- The Royal Queens
- Golden Daughters
- Lady of Rose
- Woman Brassier
- Viqueens
- Pink Lady
- White Angel
- Amazons
- Sisterhood of Darkness
- The Knights of the Aristos
What are the effects of cultism?
These are the negative consequences of cultism in Nigeria.
- Law and order are broken
- Premature deaths of innocent victims or youths who are cult members.
- Academic disruption.
- Violence and social instability
- Addiction to drugs and other health issues.
- Disorientation of social values
Cultism and its causes in Nigeria
Cultism can be a great choice of activities for anyone. However, some factors that are just not frivolous can lead to a member of a secret society. Let’s look at the obvious reasons.
Cultism in Nigeria: Causes
1. Bad parental upbringing: It is common for cultists to be from a dysfunctional home. This could be due to two things: Either the parents have separated, or they don’t have enough time to properly care for their children.
Parents must be responsible for their children’s well-being. Children will not find the wrong people or feel less appreciated if they play their roles correctly. They won’t seek safety, love, and assurance from anti-social associations.
2. Peer pressure: Many people have shared their positive views on this issue. Peer Pressure is hard to eliminate, especially for rebellious adolescents who seek acceptance from their peers.
Like the above, many students are forced to join because they fear being beaten by their peers.
Cultism in Nigeria: The consequences
3. Students and the public lack proper orientation: Most of those arrested in homicide, assault, and armed robbery cases are connected to Cultism.
This is why secret societies are so popular with youths. This is due to inadequate orientation and training for students and the general public. Cultism will continue to be a problem until adequate general training for students and young people.
4. low self-esteem is another reason youths become involved in Cultism. This is a way for them to feel safe amongst their fearful colleagues and to hide their insecurities.
Cultism and its effects in Nigeria
Participation in cult activities has untold consequences. There are many more serious consequences to being associated with a secret society. These include the destruction of properties and lives.
Solutions to Cultism and terrorism in Nigeria
These clashes can lead to serious injuries or death for rival cult groups. These killings are not only carried out by cult groups but also cause the loss of innocent lives.
This happens when the victim refuses to join the cult group, despite numerous demands. Because of the threat, these criminal acts pose, school activities are disrupted.
This eventually leads to a decrease in academic performance for students who engage in such practices and the worried students who are continually destabilized by future attacks.
They are not assured that they will be safe in an institution only for learning. In a display of dissatisfaction with a policy, the cultists destroy or vandalize properties. Staff are intimidated into complying with their demands. These activities aren’t just restricted to schools.
The society of top-ranking figures is also heavily influenced by Cultism. Cultism is a popular way for high-ranking workers to find security, whether in the professional, political, or traditional sectors. How can one expect such people not to encourage the practice at Schools and elsewhere?
Cultism: Possible Solutions
It is possible to find a solution. It is not difficult to see if the solutions presented are feasible. Astute speakers and writers have repeatedly stated that strict measures must be taken to stop Cultism. These measures include legal measures, appropriate penalties and successful prosecution.
Origin and meaning of Cultism Nigeria
Others suggested that school institutions should have more strict policies against cult practice. This writer has just heard that schools should have a special administrative tribunal to handle matters related to Cultism.
These are all good points. However, Cultism, like other crimes, is a crime. Regardless of any laws that prohibit reprehensible acts, the crime rate does not seem to be on the decline. Cultism should not be allowed to continue to grow in government and private hands. This is just an extension of the truth in the proverb, “Charity starts at home”.
Parents and guardians need to instil discipline in their children. They must be strict about who they are letting into their home and give them advice. They shouldn’t be too generous with their children regarding what they see, where they go, and the schools they attend. They must also guide their children in the right direction. They should also allow their wards to speak freely without judging or rebuking them for expressing their opinions.
It will make a child feel silly about even the smallest issue. This can cause a breakup in relationships between parents and their children. Even though the behaviour is anti-social, it will make children seek protection and assurance elsewhere.
Youths in Nigeria should receive adequate information about the dangers of Cultism. To add to it, the Government should enforce stringent measures to warn youths about the consequences of participating in a cult group activity.
Cultism, in this writer’s honest opinion, is a form of terrorism. Cultism is an internal cankerworm that eats at the fabric of democratic societies. It is not because it is against the overall goal of establishing a government responsible for its citizens’ welfare and peace.
It can cause serious harm to innocent citizens and members of the public. Everybody has a role to play in reducing Cultism. Many people consider it impossible to achieve what the Government, school institutions, parents or guardians, academic staff, and youths can all greatly help.
Although it may seem impossible to end Cultism, if everyone acts according to their abilities, whether writing or speaking out against it or exercising higher power to silence those involved, it will be a great step towards bringing it to an end. This is quite newsworthy.
To curb the threat, both the Government and Institutions have enacted laws and regulations. Other orientation programmes are also being implemented quickly to discourage youths from continuing to participate and to help those who have not yet been involved avoid falling prey to the temptation.
One thing is certain: even those who perform these unimaginable acts are young, vibrant, and, quite frankly, important to the social growth of a country. The Government should offer job opportunities for deserving youths and put them in secure positions. This will show that there are always alternatives to wrongdoing and that doing what could endanger yourself and others is not profitable. Is Cultism going to end? It is possible.
Leave a Reply