American professional basketball star Jaylen Brown has been given the traditional Yoruba ancestral name “Babatunde” by the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, during a visit to the monarch’s palace in Ile-Ife on Monday evening.
Brown, who plays for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association (NBA), arrived at the palace on Monday evening and was received by the Ooni alongside traditional rulers and other palace officials.
According to a statement issued by Sodiq Lawal, Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the visit provided an opportunity for the NBA star to connect with the historical, cultural and spiritual heritage of the Yoruba people and learn more about Ile-Ife’s place in Yoruba civilisation.
During the visit, the Ooni formally bestowed the name “Babatunde” on the basketball star, explaining that the Yoruba name means “the father has returned” or “the ancestor has returned.”
“This is to certify that you have been issued Babatunde as your traditional and ancestral name. Babatunde means the return of our ancestor. Henceforth, you shall be known as Babatunde Jaylen Brown. I am confident that this name will bring you many more fortunes,” the Ooni said, according to the statement.
The Ooni, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, used the occasion to speak about the historical and spiritual significance of Ile-Ife in Yoruba civilisation and its connection to African heritage.
According to the statement, the monarch explained that the history of humanity and the migration of peoples across Africa should encourage people of African descent, particularly those in the diaspora, to reconnect with their ancestral roots.
He described Ile-Ife as a major centre of Yoruba civilisation and emphasised the importance of preserving the historical, cultural and spiritual heritage associated with the ancient city.
The Ooni also spoke about the enduring connection between Africans on the continent and people of African descent in the diaspora, noting that the history of slavery and forced migration separated families and communities that shared common ancestral origins.
He told Brown that his visit represented an opportunity to reconnect with his heritage and deepen his understanding of his African ancestry.
“You are connected to a common ancestral heritage. We celebrate the rainbow as a unified colour created by God in the sky. It represents unity and the connection among humanity,” the Ooni said, according to the statement.
The Ooni further highlighted the importance of the royal lineage of Ile-Ife, noting that the palace has preserved generations of ancestral history.
He said the Ooni’s lineage could be traced through dozens of generations, describing this continuity as one of the distinctive features of the monarchy structure in Ile-Ife.
“We are very happy that we can trace our roots,” he said, while highlighting the historical significance of revered figures associated with the throne of Ile-Ife, including Sango and Oranfe.
The Ooni also encouraged people of African descent around the world to visit Ile-Ife and other places connected to their ancestry in order to learn more about their history and cultural heritage.
Speaking during the visit, Brown expressed appreciation to the Ooni for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him and his delegation, according to the statement.
The NBA star said the experience was an opportunity to learn more about his heritage and encouraged people to make efforts to reconnect with their ancestral roots.
“Thank you for hosting us. Thank you for having us. Thank you for your hospitality. I encourage everyone to go home and pay a visit to their roots,” Brown said, according to the statement.
The visit places another international spotlight on Ile-Ife and its enduring significance as a cultural and ancestral centre, while the conferment of the name “Babatunde” symbolises the connection between the Yoruba homeland and the African diaspora.
