The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on Monday hosted Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown at his palace in Ile-Ife and formally bestowed on him the traditional Yoruba name Babatunde.
Brown, a key player for the National Basketball Association side, was warmly received by the monarch, who was joined by other traditional rulers and palace officials. In a statement issued by his Senior Media Officer, Sodiq Lawal, the Ooni explained that Babatunde means “the father has returned” or “the ancestor has returned.”
The royal father described the name as Brown’s ancestral identity, formally linking the American basketball star to his Yoruba roots. “This is to certify that you have been officially issued Babatunde as your traditional and ancestral name. Henceforth, you shall be known as Babatunde Jaylen Brown,” Ogunwusi told the NBA player.
The Ooni expressed confidence that the name would bring Brown good fortune while deepening his bond with Yoruba heritage. He highlighted Ile-Ife’s historic and spiritual importance as the cradle of Yoruba civilisation and ancestral tradition.
Ogunwusi used the occasion to urge people of African descent, especially those in the diaspora, to reconnect with their roots. He noted that Brown’s visit offered an opportunity to engage with generations of preserved ancestral history, royal lineage and cultural traditions maintained at the palace. The monarch encouraged Africans worldwide to visit Ile-Ife and other ancestral sites to foster greater appreciation of African culture, identity and heritage.
In response, Brown thanked the Ooni for the warm reception and hospitality. The NBA star said the experience allowed him to learn more about his heritage and encouraged others to explore their ancestral origins.
The visit underscores ongoing efforts by traditional institutions in Nigeria to strengthen cultural ties with the global African diaspora.