The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Monday hosted American basketball star, Jaylen Brown at his palace in Ile-Ife.

During the visit, the traditional ruler bestowed on the NBA player the Yoruba name “Babatunde.”

Brown, who plays for the Boston Celtics, was received by the Ooni alongside other traditional rulers and palace officials. The monarch explained that Babatunde means “the father has returned” or “the ancestor has returned.”

Ogunwusi described the name as Brown’s ancestral identity and formally linked the basketball star to his Yoruba heritage. He told Brown that he would henceforth be known as Babatunde Jaylen Brown and expressed confidence that the name would bring him good fortune.

The Ooni highlighted the historical and spiritual importance of Ile-Ife as the centre of Yoruba civilisation. He noted that slavery and forced migration had separated many families of African origin and urged people in the diaspora to reconnect with their roots.

Brown thanked the Ooni for the warm reception and said the visit had helped him learn more about his heritage. He also encouraged others to explore their ancestral origins and deepen their understanding of African culture and history.

Photo credit: Punch Newspaper