Boston Celtics superstar and NBA champion Jaylen Brown has visited Nigeria on a cultural journey, receiving a traditional royal title from the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
The basketball player arrived in the country alongside team members of his 7uice Foundation to strengthen cultural and social ties between the African diaspora and the continent.
During a ceremony at the royal palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Monday, September 7, 2026, the Ooni officially conferred the Yoruba name “Babatunde” on the American athlete. The name, which translates to “the father has returned,” signifies a formal reconnection to his ancestral lineage.
Speaking after the conferring ceremony, Brown urged Black Americans and members of the global African diaspora to make similar trips to reconnect with their roots on the African continent.
We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join THISTIMES on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →
Join Our WhatsApp Channel