Official code of conduct

1. 01

   Respect and Dignity

   Every member shall treat fellow members, officers, guests, prospective members and members of the public with dignity and respect. Bullying, humiliation, harassment, intimidation, discrimination or degrading treatment shall not be tolerated.

2. 02

   Brotherhood and Sisterhood

   Members shall promote genuine brotherhood and sisterhood through unity, cooperation, mentorship, encouragement, peaceful interaction and reasonable support for one another.

3. 03

   Integrity and Honesty

   Members must conduct themselves honestly. Fraud, theft, deliberate deception, impersonation, forgery, misappropriation of Lodge resources or exploitation of another member is prohibited.

4. 04

   Respect for Leadership

   Members shall respect the established leadership and administrative structure of O.C.E. Officers must equally exercise authority responsibly, fairly and within the powers granted to their offices.

5. 05

   Obedience to the Constitution

   Members shall comply with the Constitution, approved regulations, lawful directives, administrative procedures and legitimate decisions of the Grand Lodge.

6. 06

   Responsible Communication

   Members shall communicate respectfully. Threats, abusive language, malicious accusations, deliberate misinformation and communications intended to damage the reputation of another member or the Order are prohibited.

7. 07

   Confidentiality

   Legitimate members-only administrative, ceremonial and internal matters shall be protected from unauthorised disclosure. Confidentiality shall never be used to conceal criminal activity, abuse, harassment or financial misconduct, or to prevent lawful reporting to appropriate authorities.

8. 08

   Non-Violence and Personal Safety

   Violence, physical intimidation, dangerous initiation practices, forced physical activity, hazing, assault or threats of harm have no place within O.C.E.

9. 09

   Voluntary Participation

   Membership and participation shall be voluntary. No person shall be threatened, coerced, blackmailed, deceived or subjected to degrading treatment as a condition of membership or advancement.

10. 10

    Responsible Use of O.C.E. Identity

    The O.C.E. name, logo, insignia, uniform, titles, certificates, letterheads, social-media platforms and other official property shall not be used without proper authorisation or for fraudulent purposes.

11. 11

    Financial Accountability

    Money collected on behalf of O.C.E. must be properly authorised, recorded, accounted for and used for its approved purpose. No officer or member shall personally divert Lodge funds or property.

12. 12

    No Unauthorised Representation

    No member shall claim to speak officially for O.C.E., enter agreements, solicit funds, issue appointments or establish partnerships in the name of the Order without appropriate authorisation.

13. 13

    Responsible Social Conduct

    Members attending O.C.E. dinners, hangouts, retreats, ceremonies, meetings or other social activities shall behave responsibly and respect the venue, organisers, fellow members, guests and applicable laws.

14. 14

    Protection Against Harassment

    Sexual harassment, unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate touching, exploitation, coercion or retaliation following rejection is strictly prohibited. Personal boundaries and consent must always be respected.

15. 15

    Political and Religious Neutrality

    The Grand Lodge shall not be used as an instrument for partisan political campaigning or religious hostility. Individual members may hold personal beliefs while respecting the neutrality and diversity of the Order.

16. 16

    Conflict Resolution

    Disputes between members should, where appropriate, be addressed through established Lodge procedures, mediation or disciplinary channels. Serious or potentially criminal matters may be reported directly to the appropriate authorities.

17. 17

    Social Media and Public Conduct

    Members shall avoid publishing confidential Lodge materials, unauthorised official statements, defamatory material or content falsely presented as the official position of O.C.E.

18. 18

    Protection of Members' Property

    Members shall respect the personal belongings, businesses, intellectual property, information and financial interests of fellow members and the Order.

19. 19

    Attendance and Participation

    Members should attend required meetings, briefings, ceremonies, community-service activities and other official engagements applicable to their membership status, subject to reasonable personal circumstances.

20. 20

    Responsible Leadership

    Every officer shall lead through service, fairness, discipline, accountability and example. Office shall never be used to intimidate members, demand personal loyalty, obtain improper financial benefit or settle personal disputes.

21. 21

    Compliance With the Law

    O.C.E. and its members shall conduct Lodge activities in accordance with applicable Nigerian law. Membership does not place any person above the law.

22. 22

    Disciplinary Responsibility

    A member who violates this Code may be subject to a fair disciplinary process proportionate to the misconduct: verbal or written caution, formal warning, suspension, removal from office, or termination of membership. The affected member should ordinarily be informed of the allegation and given a reasonable opportunity to respond.

23. 23

    Duty to Protect the Reputation of O.C.E.

    Members shall conduct themselves in a manner that preserves the credibility, dignity, unity and lawful reputation of the O.C.E. Grand Lodge of Nigeria.

24. 24

    Commitment to Excellence

    Every member shall continually strive toward responsible leadership, personal development, service, discipline, professionalism and excellence.

“As a member of the O.C.E. Grand Lodge of Nigeria, I undertake to uphold the Constitution and Code of Conduct of the Order; respect my fellow members and officers; protect the legitimate interests and reputation of O.C.E.; conduct myself with integrity; and promote Brotherhood, Sisterhood, Service and Excellence.”