NBA Star Jaylen Brown Visits Ooni of Ife, Receives Yoruba Name ‘Babatunde’

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown has visited the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, during a trip to the historic city of Ile-Ife.

The NBA star was received at the Ooni’s palace on Monday, where he met with the traditional ruler and other palace officials.

During the visit, the Ooni welcomed Brown and highlighted Ile-Ife’s importance as the centre of Yoruba history, culture and heritage.

Oba Ogunwusi also gave the basketball star the traditional Yoruba name “Babatunde”, meaning “the father has returned” or “the ancestor has returned”.

The Ooni said the name was given to recognise Brown’s ancestral connection to the Yoruba people and strengthen his link with his heritage.

“Henceforth, you shall be known as Babatunde Jaylen Brown,” the Ooni told the NBA star.

The monarch encouraged people of African descent in the diaspora to visit Ile-Ife and reconnect with their ancestral roots.

Brown expressed his appreciation to the Ooni for the warm reception and hospitality during his visit.