• Celtics star visits Ile-Ife palace
• Ooni says name reconnects Brown with his ancestral roots
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has bestowed a traditional Yoruba name, “Babatunde,” on Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown during the NBA player’s visit to the historic city of Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Brown was received at the Ooni’s palace on Monday by Oba Ogunwusi, who was accompanied by other traditional rulers and palace officials.
The Ooni’s Senior Media Officer, Sodiq Lawal, said the name “Babatunde” means “the father has returned” or “the ancestor has returned.”
Ogunwusi described the name as Brown’s ancestral identity, saying it formally connected the basketball star with his Yoruba heritage and ancestral 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,” the Ooni told the NBA star.
The traditional ruler expressed confidence that the name would bring Brown good fortune while strengthening his connection with Yoruba culture and heritage.
Ooni urges diaspora to reconnect
Ogunwusi used Brown’s visit to highlight the historical and spiritual importance of Ile-Ife as the cradle of Yoruba civilisation and a major centre of ancestral heritage.
He noted that slavery and forced migration had separated families and communities that shared common ancestral origins across Africa and the diaspora.
The Ooni therefore urged people of African descent, particularly those in the diaspora, to reconnect with their ancestral roots by visiting Ile-Ife and other locations linked to their heritage.
According to him, the palace has preserved generations of ancestral history, royal lineage and cultural traditions that can help people of African descent better understand their origins.
He said visits by members of the African diaspora would promote greater appreciation of African culture, identity and history globally.
Brown appreciates Ooni
Responding, Brown expressed appreciation to the Ooni for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him during his visit.
The NBA star said the experience gave him an opportunity to learn more about his heritage and encouraged others to make efforts to discover and reconnect with their ancestral roots.
The visit further underscored the cultural ties between Africa and the African diaspora, with Ile-Ife serving as an important destination for those seeking to explore Yoruba history and heritage.
