Shango

Shango (Yoruba: Ṣàngó) is the Orisha (or deity) of fire, thunder, lightning, virility, dance, drumming, strength and justice in the Yoruba religion. Genealogically, Shango is a royal ancestor of the Yoruba as he was the third Alaafin of the Oyo Empire prior to his posthumous deification. Shango is known for his double-headed battle-axe (Oṣé) and is considered to be one of the most powerful rulers in Yoruba history.
Xangô, as he is called in Candomblé and various other Afro-Brazilian religions, is believed to have numerous manifestations as various historical and legendary figures, including Ayrá, Agodo, Afonja, Lubé, and Obomin. Ayrá is derived from another deity in Yorùbáland, the personification of thunder, that is often closely associated with Ṣàngó and is called Ara. In the New World, he is syncretized with either Saint Barbara or Saint Jerome.

Historical figure
Historically, Ṣàngó was the third Alaafin of Oyo, following Oranmiyan and Ajaka. He brought prosperity to the Oyo Empire. According to Professor Mason's Mythological Account of Heroes and Kings, unlike his peaceful brother Ajaka, he was a powerful, bellicose and violent ruler. He reigned for seven years which were marked by his continuous campaigns and many battles. His reign ended due to the inadvertent destruction of his palace by lightning. He had three wives, namely Queen Oshun, Queen Ọba, and Queen Ọya.
Some of the slaves brought to the Americas were Yoruba, one of the various ethnic groups drawn into the Atlantic slave trade, and they brought the worship of Ṣàngó to the New World as a result. Strong devotion to Ṣàngó led to Yoruba religions in Trinidad and Recife, Brazil being named after the deity.

Veneration of Ṣàngó…