Nobel Laureate Soyinka Dismisses Allegations of Pyrates Confraternity Being a Secret Society

Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has rebuffed the widespread notion that the National Association of Seadogs, also known as Pyrates Confraternity, is a secret cult, instead highlighting the organisation's transparency and commitment to humanitarian and advocacy work.

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Soyinka, a founding member of the group, made these remarks during the foundation-laying ceremony of the organisation's new national secretariat in Abuja, which was held at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry complex over the weekend.

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Despite decades of public service, advocacy, and enlightenment campaigns, the association has continued to face negative stereotyping, with Soyinka noting that the larger society still struggles to accept the group's true nature.

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Soyinka stated that "the larger society still finds it difficult to accept the obvious, that this is not a secret cult," and expressed frustration at the persistence of misinformation about the organisation.

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He argued that Nigerians often cling to negative perceptions, even when faced with evidence to the contrary, saying "when they get hold of a negative idea, it is very difficult to win them away from that idea).

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Soyinka also criticised the double standards in public perception of organised groups, pointing out that attention is often focused on legitimate civic organisations while more clandestine groups operate without scrutiny.

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The new secretariat, according to Soyinka, will strengthen coordination and expand the organisation's humanitarian and advocacy programmes nationwide, marking a significant development for the group.

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Dr. Joseph Oteri, the National Association of Seadogs Capoon, described the project as the physical consolidation of a decades-long vision, which will serve as a national hub for coordination, reflection, and service.

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The development symbolises unity across generations of members and reinforces the group's commitment to justice and human dignity, according to Oteri.

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Chief Bassey Edem, Chairdawg of Tortuga-in-Council, said the new secretariat represents a renewed affirmation of the organisation's founding ideals since 1952, describing NAS as a "citadel of advocacy" committed to liberty, justice, and service above self.

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President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Emeka Obegolu, commended the group for its medical outreaches and social interventions, noting that its activities complement government efforts in community development.

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Chairman of the NAS Board of Trustees, Prof. Olatunde Makanju, described the event as a milestone and called for swift development of the secretariat into a functional headquarters, acknowledging Soyinka's contributions to the organisation's growth.

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Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, who donated the land for the project, urged members to complete the structure within seven months as a symbol of the group's legacy, a call that was echoed by Makanju.