In Brazil, where the nation confronts issues of religious intolerance, particularly against African-origin religions, adherents of the Òrìsà faith , Brazil’s interpretation of the Yoruba traditional religion have adopted strategies reminiscent of other faiths to champion justice. These devoted Orisa worshippers, acknowledging the legislative influence wielded by other religious groups to pass favorable laws, have ventured into the political arena with unwavering determination. Their goal is securing elected seats in parliament to represent the interests of Òrìsà adherents.
In a nation where millions practice Catholicism and a significant portion devoutly follow Pentecostal church doctrines, Brazil’s political landscape has undergone a profound transformation. Practitioners of African-origin religions, including Candomblé, Umbanda, and the Ifa-Orisa tradition, have not only attained positions in legislative bodies but have also actively engaged in Brazilian politics. Their participation has played a pivotal role in combating religious intolerance within one of the world’s most vibrant Orisa communities.
The historical struggle of Orisa traditionalists against the dominance of other religious denominations, especially Christianity, in the legislative arena has finally culminated. The recent presidential election, which resulted in Lula’s election as Brazil’s president, witnessed a remarkable surge of over 160 percent in the number of religious candidates representing various faiths. Politicians who adhere to the Orisa religion now compete on equal footing with representatives of other religious denominations.
Currently, the federal House of Assembly and the Senate House are divided among various religious sects, signifying a significant shift in Brazil’s political landscape. Bills and legislations are now deliberated with the input and influence of all religious interests, including those of the Orisa religion.
Adherents of the Orisa faith have adeptly adapted to the political arena, employing strategies akin to those of other religious groups to advocate for their rights. They have embraced politics as a means to access and safeguard the interests of their religion. As Ya Dendê de Oxum aptly puts it, “It is no longer a lone voice in the wilderness; we are now actively participating in the creation of laws. If they pass laws that favor them, we will equally engage in debates to ensure the interests of the Orisa religion are duly recognized and protected.” This paradigm shift in Brazilian politics underscores the evolving landscape of religious diversity and inclusivity, fostering a more tolerant and representative society.
In the 2022 Brazilian election, one of the most intriguing political strategies emerged as adherents of the Orisa religion threw their support behind President Lula da Silva, while Christians rallied behind the former president, Jair Bolsonaro, who ultimately faced defeat.
Reports from the 2022 election indicated that Brazilians, from all corners of the country, engaged in rituals known as “ebo” with the aim of unseating the former Christian president, Jair Bolsonaro. They believed that Lula, with his Olorisa wife, would be more receptive to their concerns, which had been previously ignored by Bolsonaro. Anny, an Iyalorisa, emphasized, “It was during Lula’s five days as president that he officially recognized Orisa day in Brazil.”
Their political involvement also led to a notable change within the legislative house. As Baba Paulo pointed out, “We successfully halted the recitation of Bible verses during several sessions in the legislative house and insisted that if Bible verses were stopped, so too should the recitation of Ifa verses. This is a secular state – either you cease Bible verses or you include Ifa verses.”
Ogboni Lord, Oba (Ogboni) Adekunle Aderonmu, shed light on their efforts to protect their religious rights, particularly the practice of animal sacrifice for rituals. They achieved a significant victory in the Brazilian Supreme Court, prevailing against opposing religious sects that had filed a motion seeking to prohibit Olorisa practitioners from performing animal sacrifices. Their involvement in politics became a catalyst not only in Brazil but also had a ripple effect on the situation in Nigeria, as Ogboni Lord remarked, “We engaged in politics to safeguard our rights and bring about change for Onisese.”
The most recent election in Brazil has earned the moniker of the “Elebo election.” This distinction arises from the notable presence of Orisa practitioners who vigorously contested various political seats. They flooded the streets with Ebos, symbolic sacrifices to their deities, in hopes of securing victory.
The Orisa practitioners’ motivation behind their political endeavors lies in their unwavering commitment to advancing the interests of the Orisa religion. They recognize that, upon obtaining these political positions, they can actively work to further the cause of their faith.
It’s worth noting that even Brazil’s annual Carnival of Arts and Culture operates under the guidance of legislation passed in Parliament. These laws grant the government the authority to provide support and financing for the activities associated with the Orisa religion. These remarkable achievements have been made possible primarily due to the active engagement of Orisa practitioners in the realm of politics. They have harnessed their political positions to carve out space and influence, much like other established religions have done over the years.
The allure of politics in Brazil extends far beyond the Orisa practitioners. Numerous organizations, such as the LGBTQ+ community and Afro movements, have also leveraged political involvement as a means to achieve their objectives and advocate for their causes.
Furthermore, it’s not solely Brazilian citizens who have entered the political arena. Immigrant communities, including Nigerians and various other groups, have presented their candidates in parliamentary elections. These immigrant organizations have strategically utilized their political positions to play the political game in ways that align with their unique goals and interests.
In essence, the “Elebo election” serves as a testament to the evolving dynamics of Brazilian politics, where diverse groups, including Orisa practitioners, are actively shaping the political landscape to promote their religious, social, and cultural interests. This intersection of faith and politics reflects the vibrant and multifaceted nature of Brazil’s democracy, where various voices strive to be heard and impact the nation’s direction.
