Ooni Confers ‘Babatunde’ Name on NBA Star Jaylen Brown
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has hosted Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown at his palace in Ile-Ife and bestowed on the NBA player the traditional Yoruba name “Babatunde.” Brown arrived at the palace on Monday and was received by the Ooni, who was accompanied by other traditional rulers and palace officials. In a statement by his Senior Media Officer, Sodiq Lawal, Ogunwusi explained that Babatunde means “the father has returned” or “ancestor has returned.” The monarch described the name as Brown’s ancestral identity, saying it formally connects the basketball star with his Yoruba heritage and ancestral roots. He told Brown that he had been officially issued the traditional and ancestral name Babatunde and declared that the NBA star would henceforth be known as “Babatunde Jaylen Brown.” The Ooni expressed confidence that the name would bring Brown good fortune while strengthening his connection to Yoruba heritage. He also highlighted the historical and spiritual importance of Ile-Ife as a centre of Yoruba civilisation and ancestral heritage, noting that slavery and forced migration had separated families and communities with common ancestral origins across Africa and the diaspora.
Ogunwusi said Brown’s visit offered an opportunity for the basketball star to reconnect with his heritage and learn from generations of preserved ancestral history, royal lineage and cultural traditions. He encouraged people of African descent, particularly those living in the diaspora, to visit Ile-Ife and other places linked to their ancestry to gain a deeper understanding of their history and identity. According to the monarch, such visits could promote greater appreciation of African culture and heritage around the world. Responding to the reception, Brown thanked the Ooni for the hospitality extended to him during his visit and said the experience allowed him to learn more about his heritage. The NBA star also encouraged people to visit their ancestral roots, reflecting the importance of understanding and reconnecting with their cultural background.
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