The ancient palace of Ile-Ife played host to high-profile sports diplomacy on Monday as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, officially welcomed Boston Celtics star and NBA standout Jaylen Brown. During the visit to the historical cradle of Yoruba civilisation, the monarch conferred on the basketball star the traditional Yoruba name, “Babatunde”.
Addressing Brown and a gathering of traditional rulers and palace officials, Oba Ogunwusi explained that the name translates to “the father has returned” or “the ancestor has returned”. He noted that the designation serves as a formal bridge reconnecting the American athlete to his ancestral roots.
“This is to certify that you have been officially issued Babatunde as your traditional and ancestral name,” the royal father declared. “Henceforth, you shall be known as Babatunde Jaylen Brown.”
The monarch expressed strong confidence that the ancestral moniker would usher in good fortune for the basketball star while cementing a lifelong bond with the global Yoruba community. Emphasizing the historical impact of forced migrations and the transatlantic slave trade, Oba Ogunwusi noted that such journeys fractured lineages across the African diaspora. He passionately urged people of African descent worldwide to look back toward their origins, visit historical sites like Ile-Ife, and immerse themselves in the rich heritage preserved within the ancient palace.
Responding to the royal reception, Brown expressed profound gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. The NBA star shared that the immersive experience provided deep insights into his ancestry, while echoing the Ooni’s sentiment by encouraging others in the diaspora to make the journey back to their roots.
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