The ancient palace of the Alaafin of Oyo is mourning the death of Baba, a tortoise believed to have lived for about 420 years.
Baba reportedly died on Monday after falling ill and losing his appetite. The tortoise was subsequently buried, bringing an end to what the palace described as a centuries-old presence associated with the history and cultural heritage of the ancient Oyo Kingdom.
The Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, said Baba was more than just a pet, describing him as part of the oral history and cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
According to the palace, oral tradition traced Baba’s origin to Oyo-Ile, the ancient capital of the Oyo Empire, before he was brought to the present-day palace in Oyo town.
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For generations, Baba remained a notable attraction at the palace, drawing visitors who came to see the tortoise because of his reported extraordinary age and size.
The palace said Baba was cared for by two officials and was regularly fed with watermelon, corn pap wrapped in leaves and grass.
His death has been described by the palace as the loss of a cherished companion and a living symbol of Oyo’s long history.
“Good night, Baba,” the palace said in its statement.
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