This is the official narrative that WG told
But the real reason is linked to what Garling discovered during the flashback: Davy D. clan
that means Davy D. clan is the most important between all D. clans.
But why they would be considered gods? Everyone is expecting to Joyboy be a Monkey D. member, but what if Joyboy real name is Davy D. Jones? This would be a subversion of expectations

But the real reason is linked to what Garling discovered during the flashback: Davy D. clan
that means Davy D. clan is the most important between all D. clans.
But why they would be considered gods? Everyone is expecting to Joyboy be a Monkey D. member, but what if Joyboy real name is Davy D. Jones? This would be a subversion of expectations