Origin of Cultism in Nigeria and examples of some cult groups in Nigeria

ORIGIN OF CULTISM IN NIGERIA

In 1952, a group of seven students from the University College Ibadan formed the Pyrates Confraternity. They called themselves the Magnificent Seven. They observed that the university was populated with wealthy students who were associated with colonial powers. Those who were poor were struggling in every manner to be accepted by the more advantaged students. Social life was based on tribalism. This prompted them to form confraternity. Membership was open to any promising male student regardless of tribe or race, but selection was stringent and most applicants were denied. For almost 20 years the Pyrates were the only confraternity on Nigerian Campuses.

In the late 1960s, the Pyrates registered themselves as National Association of SeaDogs (NAS) and the confraternity extended off campus. Another confraternity known as Buccaneers Confraternity was registered as National Association of Sea Lords. This division was as a result of assertion of leadership of the group where some wanted to hold unto power and not wanting to give it up.

In 1880s - 1990s, over three hundred institutions of higher education in the country have confraternities. These confraternities were later known as secret cults based on new formations.

SOME CULT GROUPS IN INSTITUTIONS/SCHOOLS AND THEIR SYMBOLS

1. Black Axe: It is also known as Neo-Black Movement of Africa. It emerged from the University of Benin, Edo State. It's symbol is an upright axe with a wide blade fixed to a short handle.

2. Supreme Eiye Confraternity: It is also known as National Association of Air Lords. It broke off from the Black Axe in the University of Benin. Its symbol is the skull and crossbones.

3. Klansmen Confraternity: This cults us also known as Eternal Fraternal order of the region consortium. It was founded students of University of Calabar. It is known also as "KKK" being its symbol.

4. Supreme Vikings Confraternity: It is also known as the adventures or the De Norsemen Club of Nigeria. It was founded by a former member of the Buccaneer confraternity. Its symbol is known as SVC.

5. Two-two or Black Beret: It is also known as the brotherhood of the blood. It was founded at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology.

The cults founded in the 1990s are legion as they include Second Son of Satan, Night Cadet Sonmen, Mgba Mgba Brothers, Theme Of Eden, Executioners, Dreaded Friend Of Friends, Eagle Club, Black Scorpion, Red Sea Horse, Fraternity Of Friends, Etc

In the late 1990s, all female cult groups began to be formed in Nigerian campuses. They include Black Brazier (Black Bra), Viqueens, Daughters of Jezebel and the Damsel. Most clubs have the same symbols as the earlier cults based on the founder.

Originally Written by Victor Adegoke of Esker Victor's Blog