THE
NAKED
TRUTHS
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THE ORIGIN OF JURIS CONFRATERNITY, AKA NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF GRAND LORDS
In the words of Marcus Garvey "a people without the knowledge of their past
history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots" A tree without roots cannot
sustain its existence. In the words of Lord Denning, "you cannot put a thing in the
air and expect it to stand.
It is crucial to understand the founding and historical background of any
organization to grasp its essence fully. I have read with interest on the internet
questions about who is the founder of Juris Confraternity or history on the origin
of Juris Confraternity. I guess this message will answer these questions and shed
light on the subject matter.
I am not here to rewrite the history of Juris confraternity, Am here to
present historical narratives as it was from the beginning.
In the year 1989/1990 academic session, I got admitted into Auchi Polytechnic to
study business administration, when I saw the oppression from cult men like Black
Axe on Campus, the excesses from people like Amani a UNIBEN Student brought
in to Auchi Ploy by Black Axe to torment and terrorize fellow students, I was
irritated and compelled to form a confraternity made up of warri boys for justice.
This I was unable to do because I was just few months on campus, I got pressured
by Enzo David and late Uyi to join Buccaneer but I refused because of that strong
feeling I was having to form a confraternity, a Brotherhood that will stand for
justice.
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When we went on holidays at the end of the 1989/1990 session, I started my
research about other confraternity groups, their leaders and vision. I got inspiration
from a book I read on Sicilian mafia called the God Father. While this process was
on going, I stumbled into a written material titled Magna Juris Confraternity. That
is were the name of Juris came from. I took the name juris meaning law in latin
because I felt what I needed was Justice.
I then proceeded to draft a constitution and the structure of the proposed
confraternity. By the next session of 1990/ 1991 , I discussed with people of like
minds, fellow Warri boys on the need to have our own confraternity which will be
made up of all warri boys.
Unfortunately two among these people I spoke with already bought Forms from
Eiye confraternity and were already initiated in Ekpoma, I was not deterred
because of the drive to actualize the burning vision inside of me. Instead I told
them that history is our reward if they will agree to join me in this vision. That was
the preamble to the journey of the establishment of Juris confraternity.
THE BEGINNING
In March 1991, on one faithful evening at the "school of thought" around school of
business studies. Five rugged Warri boys from the School of business, department
of business administration gathered together to initiate themselves via an oath of
brotherhood to form Juris Confraternity aka National association of grand Lords.
The Vision of the confraternity is to fight for EQUITY, PEACE AND JUSTICE.
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WHO ARE THESE FIVE WARRI BOYS
1. JULIUS ENADE - Lord Juris
2. STEVE OKE - Godfather
3. LATE ALBERT EWVIERHURHU - Capon
4. NELSON IBI - Don
5. ANTHONY ERUTE - Consigliere (Adviser)
These five people are the Frata-lords of Juris, the five deity of Juris Confraternity,
the first grand Lords of Juris confraternity.
The next day night we pasted our message all over the campus, announcing the
arrival of a new confraternity in Auchi Poly and the hell was let loosed. Buccaneer
came in search of me saying they don't have problem with us but the slogan
"BLOOD FOR BLOOD IS FOR THEM, WE MUST CHANGED IT, Black Axe
came after me under the leadership of Judge Cole, saying the era of forming
confraternity is gone, they will never allow Juris Confraternity to exist in Auchi
Poly.
My name was taken to Ekpoma for assassination, One day I tailed Judge Cole to
his house at Egbe Road in Auchi, do you know what he told me ? What if you are
killed for this vision. I told him if I die for a just course my death is a Worthy
death.
I remembered telling Steve Oke that any of us can die, but if I die in course of this
confraternity struggle, they should not allow my death to go in vain, they must
avenge my death.
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Then we started discussing with Warri boys with like minds to join us, I
remembered talking to Victor Okito, Jeff Odogu, and Late McCoy Mughelli as
first brothers we blended in Auchi Polytechnic, after we got to about 30 in number,
we changed our strategy and started blending anyone that was interested.
In the beginning there were many treats to our lives by rival groups but we were
brave, we were not afraid of men or death, we were not even afraid of loosing our
admission.
We can just seat down and say to prove that we are rugged men let's do this and
that, It reminds me of such decision when we busted Peter Rock stone and
collected his imported Battle axe.
It was in line for Justice that we initiated Iyobo,Pius and Patrick when they and
their girl friend were been threaten by Black Axe, as a result of their musical
group. Over a period of one year, Juris Confraternity expanded both in influence
and membership, at this point Jude was ordained a JP to relate externally on issues
concerning the Confraternity.
We fought for Justice and Equity with our blood, our lives, our education. One of
us died in active service, some of us were rusticated, some of us drop out of school
due to poor academy performance.
THE NATIONAL SPREAD OF THE CONFRATERNITY
This started in 1992, after some of us left Auchi Poly we got admission into
different Schools. Myself, Julius Agbah, Efe Emareive, MacCoy and others got
admission into Delsu, Jeff Odogu and others got admission to IMT, IYobo, Jude
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and others got Admission to Ekpoma.Philip Temile and others got admission to
UNIBEN, We all started Juris Confraternity in our various Schools, Efe Emareive
was ordained a God father Abraka, Iyobo Godfather Ekpoma, Jeff Udogu
Godfather IMT and Philip Temile God father UNIBEN, Blessing Illeji was
initiated in Auchi and ordained a Godfather over Idah Poly. Ese Ikeugbo
Coldblood was initiated and made the Godfather over Ado-Ekiti federal poly.
The Frata-Lords oversees the activities of these Schools. The position of Lord
Juris was the number one national, I handed over to Steve Oke in Abraka, Steve
handed over to Nelson Ibi marking the end of an era.
Here are some important things to know about the confraternity:
1. The name of the confraternity is JURIS, not Jurist.
2. JURIS is a Latin word for LAW. It signifies the focus of this confraternity
on matters of justice and the legal system.
3. A member of the confraternity is called a Jurist, emphasizing their affiliation
with the study and practice of law.
4. Within the confraternity, members are referred to as judges, capturing the
idea that they strive for justice and fairness.
5. AMICI is an Italian word that means "I salute you." It serves as a greeting or
acknowledgment among members.
6. The main objective of this confraternity is to define justice within the
system, aiming to promote fairness and equality.
7. The phrase "Ignorantia juris non excusat" translates to "ignorance of the law
is no excuse." It emphasizes the importance of understanding and abiding by
the law.
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8. The principle of "No case, No judgment" reflects that a legitimate legal
proceeding can only take place when there is an actual case presented.
9. The confraternity upholds the belief that "An injury to one is an injury to
all," highlighting solidarity among its members.
10.It is important to note that the Frata-Lords have no connection to the Boma
Boys' jury, which was once active in Oguwaja Sapele. These are separate
entities with different purposes and memberships.
Title: Juris Confraternity - The Way Forward: A Proposed Framework for
Leadership and Governance
INTRODUCTION
In order to address the challenges and ensure a progressive future for Juris
Confraternity, it is essential to focus on leadership concerns, crisis management,
the neglect of Frata-Lords, and the importance of the Frata-Lords in terms of
stipend payments and decision-making within the organization. This document
proposes a series of measures to tackle these issues and establish a more efficient
and inclusive leadership structure.
1. Leadership Transition: To avoid acrimony and partiality, it is
recommended that the process of transitioning from one leader to another be
conducted through elections. This will ensure a fair and democratic selection
that considers the aspirations of the members. This approach promotes
transparency and encourages capable individuals to come forward and
contribute to the organization's growth.
2. Election Process: To participate in national leadership positions, candidates
should be required to purchase an election form.
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3. Conducting Elections: The Frata-Lords, in collaboration with the Judges of
the inner Chamber, should be responsible for overseeing and conducting the
elections. This joint effort will ensure credibility and fairness in the electoral
process.
4. Role of Frata-Lords: The Frata-Lords will serve as the advisory body to the
executive, offering their valuable expertise and guidance. This collaborative
approach will foster an environment of shared decision-making, inclusivity,
and collective responsibility.
5. Rotational Leadership: To promote diversity and prevent a concentration
of power, leadership within the Frata-Lords should be rotational. This
arrangement will allow for different perspectives, experiences, and ideas to
be brought to the forefront, leading to a more dynamic and inclusive
organization.
6. Supreme Lord - Leader of the Judges of the Inner Chamber: Upon the
exit of all the Frata-Lords, the leader of the Judges of the inner Chamber
(Supreme Lord) should assume the highest advisory position. This
individual will have the responsibility to provide valuable guidance and
mentorship to the executive and the organization as a whole.
CONCLUSION
Implementing these proposed measures will provide a structured framework for
Juris Confraternity, emphasizing transparency, democratic processes, and the
involvement of capable individuals. By addressing leadership concerns, crisis
management, neglect of Frata-Lords, and establishing a clear decision-making
structure, Juris Confraternity can move forward with renewed focus and
effectiveness.
