A tortoise believed to have lived for about 420 years has died at the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo in Oyo State.
Known as Baba, the tortoise was regarded as an important relic of the ancient Oyo Kingdom and reportedly died on Monday after falling ill and losing its appetite. It was subsequently buried.
The Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Ibadan on Thursday.
According to the palace, Baba had been cared for by successive Alaafins and was believed to have been brought from Oyo-Ile, the old capital of the Oyo Empire, to the present palace.
Over the years, the tortoise became a tourist attraction, drawing visitors who wanted to see the animal because of its reported age and size.
Two palace officials were reportedly assigned to care for Baba, feeding it with items including watermelon, corn pap wrapped in leaves and grass.
The palace described Baba as more than just an animal, saying it represented part of the oral history and heritage of the Yoruba people.
Baba was also regarded in Oyo as the oldest inhabitant of the palace, having been inherited by successive monarchs. The palace said its continued presence reflected the connection between generations and the historical traditions of the Oyo Kingdom.
The palace expressed sadness over the loss, describing Baba as a longstanding companion and an important part of the Alaafin’s palace heritage.
“Baba fell ill on Monday, just a little sickness and couldn’t eat anymore. Then he died. Just like that. He had since been buried. Good night, Baba,” the statement said.
