Ooni Names NBA Star Jaylen Brown ‘Babatunde’ In Ile-Ife

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown has received a traditional Yoruba name from the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, during a visit to the monarch’s palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The Ooni named the NBA star “Babatunde,” which means “the father has returned” or “the ancestor has returned.”

Ogunwusi said the name was given to formally connect Brown with his Yoruba heritage and ancestral roots.

The monarch declared that Brown would henceforth be known as “Babatunde Jaylen Brown” and expressed hope that the name would bring him good fortune while strengthening his connection with Yoruba culture.

The Ooni also used Brown’s visit to encourage people of African descent in the diaspora to reconnect with their ancestral roots by visiting places such as Ile-Ife, which he described as a historic centre of Yoruba civilisation.

Brown expressed appreciation for the warm reception and said the visit gave him an opportunity to learn more about his heritage.

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has given NBA star Jaylen Brown the Yoruba name ‘Babatunde,’ meaning ‘the father has returned.’ The monarch said it connects Brown to his roots and urged the diaspora to visit Ile-Ife.