NBA STAR JAYLEN BROWN RECEIVES YORUBA NAME ‘BABATUNDE’ FROM OONI
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Monday received Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown at his palace in Ile-Ife and bestowed on the NBA player the traditional Yoruba name, “Babatunde.”
Brown, who plays for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association, was received by the Ooni during his visit to the historic Yoruba city.
The monarch was accompanied by other traditional rulers and palace officials during the basketball star’s visit.
According to a statement by the Ooni’s Senior Media Officer, Sodiq Lawal, Oba Ogunwusi explained that the name Babatunde means “the father has returned” or “the ancestor has returned.”
The Ooni described the name as Brown’s ancestral identity, saying it formally connected the basketball star with his Yoruba heritage and ancestral roots.
Addressing Brown, Ogunwusi said, “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 expressed optimism that the ancestral name would bring Brown good fortune while strengthening his connection with Yoruba heritage.
Ogunwusi also highlighted Ile-Ife’s historical and spiritual importance as the centre of Yoruba civilisation and ancestral heritage.
He noted that slavery and forced migration had separated families and communities with shared ancestral origins across Africa and the diaspora.
The monarch urged people of African descent, particularly those in the diaspora, to reconnect with their ancestral roots.
He said Brown’s visit provided an opportunity for the NBA star to reconnect with his heritage and gain deeper knowledge of generations of preserved ancestral history.
According to him, the palace has preserved generations of royal lineage, cultural traditions and other aspects of Yoruba heritage.
Ogunwusi encouraged Africans across the world to visit Ile-Ife and other places connected to their ancestry to deepen their understanding of African history, culture and identity.
Responding, Brown thanked the Ooni for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him during the visit.
The NBA star said the experience allowed him to learn more about his heritage and encouraged people of African descent to visit and reconnect with their ancestral roots.
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