In a historic movement intertwining Afro-Brazilian spirituality and modern law, the Oṣé Ṣàngó, the double-headed axe of Ṣàngó, Òrìşà of thunder, lightning, justice, and balance has been officially incorporated into several Brazilian courtrooms as a symbol of justice, equity, and religious plurality.
“The presence of Osé Ṣàngó in this courtroom is not merely symbolic—it is transformative. It restores a cultural and spiritual equilibrium that has long been denied in our institutions. Ṣàngó, the Òrìṣà of justice, lightning, and truth, reminds us that law is not only written in codes, but also inscribed in the conscience of a people. This act reaffirms that justice in Brazil must reflect the ancestral wisdom of all its children—not just the colonial echo. From today forward, the axe of Ṣàngó stands beside the scales of justice.”
— Justice Ademilson, at the Ceremony of Officialization of Ọ̀ṣé Ṣàngó in the Courtroom
According to the Òrìşà community in Brazil , Oṣé Sango is more than a ritual object; it is a profound emblem of cosmic justice , it represents the reality of the Brazilian society “ You’ll think twice before setting your lies “ Says Bàbálòrísà Paulo de Azevedo
“Oṣé Ṣàngó is not just a symbol—it is the very pulse of ancestral justice. By placing the sacred axe within the halls of the court, Brazil does more than honor our heritage; it acknowledges that justice must be fire, balance, and truth. This is a spiritual correction to centuries of silence. Ṣàngó has returned to sit where he has always belonged—among the judges, where lightning meets the law.”
— Ìyálòrìṣà Ajé Dandara, during the officialization of Ọ̀ṣé Ṣàngó in the Brazilian judiciary
The integration of the Oşé Ṣàngó is an intentional effort to bring equilíbrio , balance and harmony to the judicial environment. For centuries, Brazil’s colonial and postcolonial institutions embedded Christian symbols, reinforcing a monolithic cultural narrative. The presence of the Oşé alongside the Cross seeks to redress this imbalance, recognizing Brazil’s deep Afro-descendant heritage and respect for religious diversity. This process began notably in December 2024, when the High Court of Law – Tribunal de Justiça do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (TJRJ) became the first court to exhibit the Ọ̀ṣẹ́ Ṣàngó prominently in its main auditorium.
The event was marked by ceremonies involving Candomblé priests, Afro-Brazilian cultural leaders, and legal officials, creating a respectful dialogue between faith and law.The decision was strongly supported by IDAFRO (Instituto de Defesa dos Direitos das Religiões Afro-Brasileiras), founded in 2016 by lawyer and activist Hédio Silva. IDAFRO has championed the legal recognition of Afro-Brazilian religions, combating religious intolerance and advocating for equal visibility. Silva explained that the Oşé is a “powerful spiritual symbol that resonates deeply with the principles of justice and fairness,” and its inclusion is a long-overdue recognition of Afro-Brazilian cultural identity.
Importantly, the addition of the Oşé Ṣàngó addresses a critical constitutional issue. Brazil’s 1988 Constitution declares the state secular, guaranteeing freedom of religion and forbidding religious discrimination. Yet, the exclusive presence of Christian symbols in public institutions contradicted this principle. The presence of the Oşé challenges this by visibly affirming pluralism and preventing the symbolic privileging of any single religion.
Religious scholars note that the Yoruba deity Ṣàngó is historically regarded as the divine enforcer of justice and law. Oral traditions narrate how Ṣàngó ruled as an earthly king before ascending to divinity, symbolizing the ideal fusion of secular and sacred authority. Thus, the Osé Ṣàngó carries a legacy that aligns perfectly with judicial values, but from an Afro-diasporic perspective.
Moreover, the Osé brings a spiritual counterbalance in courtrooms long dominated by Christian iconography. As Brazilian legal anthropologist Lúcia Xavier states, “The courts have been spaces of power and symbolism. Incorporating the Ọ̀ṣẹ́ Ṣàngó introduces equilíbrio, a balance between different religious traditions, reflecting the true plural makeup of Brazilian society.”
The movement for the Osé’s official recognition has also reached the Supreme Federal Court (STF) in Brasília. In February 2025, IDAFRO submitted a formal petition urging the Supreme Court – STF to sanction the installation of the Osé Ṣàngó alongside the crucifix, to reinforce constitutional secularism and religious equality. The petition cites jurisprudence on freedom of religion and cultural rights, arguing that such symbols belong to Brazil’s living heritage.
Historically, Afro-Brazilian religions like Candomblé and Umbanda were persecuted under colonial and republican regimes through legal prohibitions and social stigma. The official acceptance of the Osé in judicial settings signals a significant reversal , a symbolic reparative justice acknowledging centuries of oppression.
The initiative also resonates beyond courts. In 2019, Salvador’s city government approved a law recognizing Afro-Brazilian religious symbols in public spaces, reflecting growing institutional respect. Festivals honoring Ṣàngó, such as the annual Xangô Festival, attract thousands and highlight Yoruba cultural continuity. Candomblé -Òrìṣà priests emphasize that the Osé Ṣàngó also serves as a spiritual protector of courts, calling upon the orixá’s power to ensure ethical behavior, truth, and righteous judgment. Rituals performed during installations invoke Ṣàngó’s blessings for the wisdom and courage of judges.This new practice honors Afro-Brazilian culture while enriching Brazil’s plural democracy. It challenges historical erasures and offers a vision of justice that embraces multiple cosmologies. As Hédio Silva remarks, “To recognize the Ọ̀ṣẹ́ Ṣàngó in our courts is to say that justice is not only universal but also deeply local—rooted in the ancestral wisdom of our people.” Bahia, with its large Afro-descendant population and vibrant religious traditions, is expected to soon follow Rio’s example. Discussions with the Tribunal de Justiça da Bahia (TJBA) are underway, with Afro-Brazilian leaders and magistrates expressing strong support. Plans include public ceremonies that will affirm the Osé as a permanent symbol of balanced justice in Bahia’s courts.
The inclusion of the Oşé Ṣàngó challenges Brazil’s legal institutions to evolve in meaningful ways , affirming that true justice must incorporate equilíbrio between traditions. As the sacred axe joins the Cross in courtrooms, it signals a future where Brazil’s judicial system truly reflects its rich spiritual and cultural mosaic.
