420-year-old Alaafin’s palace tortoise d!es

A ‘420-year-old’ tortoise known as Baba has d!ed at the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oyo State.

Baba d!ed on Monday, September 14, 2026 after falling ill.

Baba, regarded by residents as the oldest indigene of Oyo, was a treasured relic of the Kingdom that had survived generations of monarchs and was cared for by successive Alaafin.

The Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ibadan on Thursday, September 17.

The statement described Baba as more than a tortoise, saying the animal had become a part of the oral history of the Yoruba people and a major attraction at the ancient palace.

According to him, the incumbent Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, met Baba at the palace after his ascension to the throne.

He said Baba had been nourished by successive kings, who inherited the animal as part of the historical relics associated with the palace.

“In Oyo, Baba was regarded as the oldest indigene. It was the Alaafin’s most besotted pet. The incumbent Paramount Ruler met it in the Palace, as Baba was nourished by a succession of Kings, who inherited him as part of the relics of their ancestors,” the statement read.

He said confirmed oral history indicated that Baba was brought from Oyo-Ile, the seat of the old Oyo Empire, to the present palace in Oyo town.

Durojaiye said two palace officials had been responsible for tortoise’s welfare the over the years, while its longevity and unusual size made it a major attraction for visitors to the palace.

He said many people visited the palace specifically to see Baba, making the animal part of the tourist experience.

Baba was reportedly fed with water melon, corn pap wrapped in leaves and grass.

According to Durojaiye, the tortoise fell ill on Monday and stopped eating before it eventually d!ed.

He said Baba had been buried following its d3ath.