The undeniable taint of evil is unquestionably in rituals such as this. However Theoria has a point as the preserved heart of St. Laurence O’Toole, patron saint of Dublin was recently stolen and many other relics which are basically human remains exist in Christianity. It rather makes my skin crawl.
I don’t think this practice is isolated to African religions and Christianity. I’ve seen the mummies of monks in Buddhist temples. In fact, the stupas of famous temples usually claim Buddha relics - remnants of the Buddha’s body. Hindus also have similar creepy remains of ascetics on display. I guess the good of the dead is supposed to rub off on you ( that or give you the winning lotto number).
There is a difference with palo, some of the remains are used to create souls enslaved to the practitioner, so much for resting in peace.