The African Traditional Religion (ATR) is typically a worship system rooted in reverence for a supreme being, deities and deities, and ancestors. There is also a belief in mystical powers. In the past, the ATR embodied the entirety of people’s way of life. There are fixed systems of being and doing. Hierarchy is peculiar to every form of religion, and every religion I must say has a flair for the politics of its administration. In that sense, the ATR has a way of influencing people as it covers pretty much everything from individual commitments to community politics and governance.
Even in the most recent modern dispensation, co-secret groups come as no surprise to Africans, they have been ingrained for centuries. An example is the initiation of young men into the masquerade cult and incorporation into manhood. The ideology behind this is to further demonstrate the importance of a man, of the sex most qualified and suitable for communication with spirits. A man in the know is shown all sorts of respect because he has apparently joined the Super Mortal Club and has a lot of authority. This was the norm in the past, apparently reinforcing the reason men were more valued in the homes and in the community at large.
Cultism is not an African thing. It’s a socio-religious and even political thing that is evident in every nation in the world. Cultism is the sharing of a worship or belief system among a select few with the intention of upholding a specific useful truth. In the African context, cultism is primarily concerned with reverence for a being, discreet but rare in-depth teachings, control of power, and benefits that may be for spiritual, economic, social, political, or purely personal (circumstantial) reasons. A cult usually has carefully established policies that must be followed. For the uninitiated, (overt) secrecy, often due to their socially deviant practices; and the relevance of these groups is a far-reaching understanding.
In the secular world, a cult is a brotherhood of people with a common ideology, interests, and belief system; But because of our origins, the African secret cults are socio-political and religious groups whose ideologies have dominated and influenced the affairs of government and even the distribution of wealth in African society. They could be viewed as a heretical, power-loving group of people who have been willingly programmed to tread a mysterious path, as if under the metaphysical control of some kind. However true the general notion of cultism may be, most rooted African cults began as a requirement for the well-being of the people and an organized system of administration.
15. Ogboni Brotherhood
Using Yoruba politics as a case study, the Ogboni fraternity has strong affiliations with royalty, the gerontological system of government, and community law enforcement. They are traditionally revered for their positions as mediators between humans and ancestors. Their belief system is strongly linked to African (Yoruba) cosmology, hence their legal role as custodians of tradition and worship and the Ife oracle. In pre-colonial history, the judiciary of the Yoruba kingdoms was under the strict supervision of the Ogboni members. As expected, the group plays a role in the social, religious, and political affairs of the Yoruba clan. As her sculptural symbol shows, her aim was to strike a healthy balance in terms of fairness and justice.
14. The Eckankar cult
Eckankar is a 20th-century transnational cult that filtered its way into the African continent in countries such as Togo, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali. The Eckankar has gained worldwide recognition with around 3 million followers. Eckankar means “collaborator with God” and promises spiritual freedom and ability – a higher state of spiritual awareness. The movement encourages personal responsibility and self-realization, which essentially leads to the realization of God known as the religion of the Light and Sound of God. As a means of increasing inner sensitivity, the Eckist is a strong believer in dream/soul journeys through which their initiations are guided.
The supreme leader, Mahanta, a pseudo-god often described as the living Eck Master, presides over crucial activities of the movement – channeling the souls of the members back to the Creator through subtle mind control; Consecration/initiation ceremonies and rites of passage into adulthood. He is also present at other occasions such as weddings and funerals. Eckist activities include theatrical performances, symposia, and spiritual fellowships. The various minds in the various nations of the world tend to make additional “necessary” additions, some of which have spiraled out of control, leading to member withdrawal and public criticism. Africans are naturally superstitious people who have every tendency
13. Poro Cult
The fraternal society of the Poro has a religious and civil undertone; and also the most important cult in Sierra Leone. There are 3 groups involved in initiation – the elders, the high priests and the boys/men who are to be initiated. They are taken to the poro bushes where fortune tellers help to unlock their potentials through powerful mystical powers. There they are prepared for their cultural roles – to ensure the health of the community. The elders of the Poro group are particularly deterred from antisocial behavior and all sorts of arguments, especially if they are spiritually related. The public is admitted during the grand finale. Members are bound to swear an oath of secrecy and strictly abide by the laws of the group.
12. Sande Cult
Sande Kult is the female version of the Poro secret society. Joining the Sande cult can be expensive. In this case, kidnapping becomes an alternative for those who cannot afford it. The females are also taken into the bushes to be cleaned, circumcised and worked into womanhood by learning certain domestic skills and crafts, culture, customs and folklore. Their functions and laws are aligned side by side with the poro cult; In other words, the female cult is in charge of women’s affairs. The leaders of the sands also wear masks like their male counterparts. It is rumored that even in modern times, if you are not a member of the Poro or Sande cult in Liberia, you will not be able to take a political position. Liberians practice this tradition because it is meant to help make more respectable citizens feel comfortable.
11. Neegee Society
Neegee is the Bassa word for crocodile. The Neegee group is a cannibalistic society and “allegedly” in contrast to the utilitarian nature of the Poro and Sande groups. They are also called the “human leopards” because of their extremely inhuman human sacrifices to their god. It is believed that they can transform into war wolves, leopards and water crocodiles to attack their victims. Neegee members believe that ingesting human parts gives them mystical powers. While the groups of Poro and Sande are vehemently opposed to the Neegee, it is questionable whether the former stemmed from such ritualistic tendencies of the later ones, as might be the case when some initiates who do not make it to the graduation ceremony are claimed
10. Afrikaner Broederbond
The Afrikaner Brotherhood is a secret society that was popularized during the apartheid regime in South Africa. The group strives to uphold and maintain Afrikaans’ interest in South Africa. Their motto was “Wees Sterk”, which meant “Be strong”. From 1948-1994 the Afrikaner Brothers grew to become the most powerful group in South African politics and government. It is a fact that all the leaders of the country at that time in history were all members of this secret group. This reinforces the Calvinists’ view that they were “planted by God in South Africa” to manage the affairs of the country and, in particular, to rid them of apathy. The African Brotherhood, whose motivation was based on the concept of predestination, had a great influence on the socio-political life of South Africans. The internal membership activities and requirements remain a secret, apart from being Afrikaner and up to the age of 25. Potential and qualified candidates are secretly invited. The emergence of this group can also be linked to the Boer War in South Africa.
9. The doomsday cult
The Doomsday cult is a sinister transnational cultic cult that has made its way from the Western and Asian worlds to some African countries such as Uganda and South Africa. This cult seems incessantly predicting the total destruction of planet Earth. The group gains ground over alleged knowledge of the chaotic future tendencies that await humans on Earth, as well as possession of the key to being among the group to be saved on that fateful day. If we look at it on the other side, it might appear as an indirect way to seek global power and attention. Doomsday cult members are usually violent and self-destructive to the point of committing suicide. Their leaders are famous for their super hypnotic characters, not so accommodating the unbelievers or obstacles that need to be saved at the end of time. There have been cases of induced “raptures” that were merely murder cases.
8. Ekpe Cult
Ekpe is a Nigerian masquerade cult whose members are typically politicians and law enforcement officials. They are respected actors in the distribution of wealth in the community. The highest rank of the Ekpe cult has many privileges. Reaching the heights is not as expensive as the benefits gained. You can own and control enormous economic assets such as land and palm trees in the community. Being a member of the Ekpe Group is an asset in itself as members and their families are unexpectedly favored. As a give back to the community, they often throw parties and sponsor festivals for the sole enjoyment of the people. “Ekpe”, which means “leopard” in Efik, is practiced in several parts of Africa and has equally migrated to some foreign lands on other continents – originally from the Cross River and Akwa Ibom areas. secondary ceremonial festivals in an Igbo-speaking part of Nigeria; and emigrated to Cameroon, Cuba and Brazil. They admit not just anyone, but also serious and outstanding personalities.
7. Okonko
Okonko society is a stronger counterpart to Ekpein of the Igbo community. It is a closed group open only to a certain group of men in the church. Their parties are for members only; Only the initiates are allowed to follow the Okonko processions at each ceremony. This is a cult of titled elders, kingmakers, and law enforcers whose members must not be of questionable character. The initiation takes place in three steps and lasts seven days. The importance of palm leaves in Igbo land was really emphasized by this group to demonstrate the sacredness of an occasion. For example, on the lips it shows stillness and divinity while the man of the house was invited to court on parole, when found next to the Okonko Music on any terrain. They are the main characters in most Igbo ceremonies and festivals.
6. Abakua
This is the Cuban rendition of the Ekpe cult of Cross River and the Liberian Leopard Society. It is thought to have been brought to Cuba by Africans in the diaspora. Like any other brotherhood, they swear an oath of allegiance. The powerful members of Abakua are believed to have a sacred and mystical kinship. In other words, the society is a spiritual rather than a physical brotherhood. Secrecy is the main characteristic of this group, perhaps it is an important factor that adores them. From the mysterious chants of the Abakua festivals to the rites performed multiple times, everything is done with a multitude of secret codes known only to the members of the group. Abakua’s dramatic dance pattern greatly influenced Hispanic dance styles.
5. Desteni
Destonians, as popularly known, are a group of people who have dedicated their lives to the sole purpose and good of Desteni society. Ironically, although they claim to resist leadership, they constantly undergo leadership training at the Desteni Leadership Forum. They have a habit of contradicting their goal of self-discovery, equality, and unity. and shows a still unclear apocalyptic tendency – shaved hair, drinking hydrogen peroxide, preaching the forgiveness of Adolf Hitler and the extermination of man. Desteni is a modern day e-cult as members only set up and conduct their businesses on the internet and never in public places. Mind control won’t be far behind a clique of people who have sworn to live and die for business and the sole good of Desteni business. The functioning of the Desteni apparently leans on New Age ideology and has also been criticized and accused of possible economic fraud and exploitation of its members. The Desteni Society, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa was founded by the late Bernard Poolman.
4. Osirica
Osirica is a brotherhood of worshipers of Osiris, the Egyptian god of life, the afterlife and the underworld. As such, the members of the Brotherhood are enthusiasts and believers in immortality. The Osirica Brotherhood is the root of all Masonic societies and dates back to 2300 BC. Back to the flourishing age of pottery in Egypt. Archaeological evidence suggests that they existed long before the pyramids. Amenhotep I was the emperor who began transforming the architecture in Egyptian temples and was deified after his death. The construction of the Valley of the Kings is attributed to his reign. The Egyptians had a great appreciation for architecture, believing that the typical architectural masonry was metaphorical for the modeling and reshaping of a people.
3. The World Egyptian Rite Masons (WERM)
The emergence of the “Masons” is perhaps in stages, why the World Egyptian Rite Mason (WERM) uses the 97 degree increments of progression in their teachings. Founded in 1717, this group makes a strong claim to the supremacy of its origins in ancient Osirican religion. Aside from guaranteeing first-hand knowledge of the ultimate truth, they promise the means to the perfection of the inner being and affirm closeness to God. The members of WERM are supposedly the leaders of countries and construction companies. They also value the absence of bribery in society, since since the beginning of time itself has provided the financial means for the betterment of mankind.
2. Freemasons
This is a fraternal society, established in western culture between the 16th and 17th centuries, with about six million members. It can be said that internationally renowned Freemasonry borrowed its structure and purpose from Egyptian mysticism. The Freemasons were originally an Egyptian association of builders whose founder and chief sculptor was Imhotep. Imhotep was a revered figure believed to have superpowers to heal and influence people and the affairs of the community. The first legendary pyramid in Egypt is attributed to his craftsmanship. In modern times he would have been called a scientist and an engineer.
However, his powers went beyond architecture into metaphysics and the moral education of people. The modern Mason houses contain symbols from his inventions and designs; Symbols whose meaning is conveyed only to the initiated members of society. Freemasonry’s affiliation with Imhotep is clear and this is probably why they have been accused of several conspiracy theories as their aim is to restructure and control global affairs. Masonic order has spread throughout the world, not excluding Africa. They have clandestine branches in Liberia and other African countries. There are also unrecognized subgroups.
1. Brotherhood of the Pyrenees
Whenever the Brotherhood of the Pyrenees is mentioned, two things come to mind – the Noble Laurette, Wole Soyinka and the ill-fated 1952 story of a good intention falling from grace at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. A lively intellectual and humanist, Wole and six of his friends of like mind gathered and became the Pyrenees. The mission of this fraternity was deeply for the benefit of the less privileged, the downtrodden, and most importantly, bridging the tribal and social divides among people, beginning with their immediate disciples. It was the brilliant idea of the Pyrenees, later registered as the National Association of the Seadogs, to eliminate from society all forms of hypocritical excuses of ‘convention’ for true compatriotism.
This golden vision was corrupted with the fall, with Bolaji Carew and other expelled members becoming the National Association of Sea Lords (Buccaneers). The emergence of other unusual brotherhoods, often used as rackets by corrupt public figures, did not help the Pyrenees’ goals either. Occasional conflicts arose between the brothers, leading to reckless use of weapons. In the process, they claimed human lives and tragically represented the opposite of what was hoped for. With the influence of the older generation, the trait of worshiping natural beings (Voudou) as a source of mystical powers was soon added. This is the genesis of cultism in Nigerian universities.