On Monday, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, welcomed Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown to his palace.
He honored the NBA player with the traditional Yoruba name, ‘Babatunde’ (Babatunde Jaylen Brown).
Brown, who plays for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association, visited the Ooni’s palace in Ile-Ife, where he was warmly received by the monarch.
The Ooni was joined by other traditional rulers and palace officials during the basketball star’s visit to the historic Yoruba city.
In a statement issued by his Senior Media Officer, Sodiq Lawal, Oba Ogunwusi explained that the name Babatunde means “the father has returned” or “ancestor has returned.”
The Ooni described the name as a representation of Brown’s ancestral identity, saying it formally connects the NBA star with his Yoruba heritage and ancestral roots.
He told Brown. This is to certify that you have been officially issued Babatunde Jaylen Brown as your traditional and ancestral name.
“Henceforth, you shall be known as Babatunde Jaylen Brown.”
Ogunwusi expressed optimism that the ancestral name would bring Brown good fortune while deepening his connection to his Yoruba heritage.
The monarch also spoke about Ile-Ife’s longstanding historical and spiritual importance as a center of Yoruba civilization and ancestral heritage.
He noted that slavery and forced migration had separated families and communities that originally shared common ancestral roots across Africa and the diaspora.
The Ooni called on people of African descent, especially those in the diaspora, to make efforts to reconnect with their ancestral origins.
According to the monarch, Brown’s visit offered an opportunity for the NBA star to reconnect with his heritage and gain a deeper understanding of the history preserved over generations.
He said the palace continues to preserve generations of ancestral history, royal lineage, cultural traditions and other important aspects of Yoruba heritage.
Ogunwusi further encouraged Africans around the world to visit Ile-Ife and other places associated with their ancestry as a way of gaining a deeper appreciation of their history.
He said such visits could help promote greater appreciation of African culture, identity and heritage among people across the globe.
In his response, Brown thanked the Ooni for the warm welcome and hospitality he received during his visit to the palace.
The NBA star said the experience gave him an opportunity to learn more about his heritage and encouraged people to make efforts to visit and reconnect with their ancestral roots.
