OYO — The ancient palace of the Alaafin of Oyo is mourning the death of a tortoise known as Baba, which was believed to have lived for about 420 years.

Baba reportedly died on Monday after falling ill and losing its appetite. Following its death, the tortoise was buried within the palace premises.

The Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo, Bode Durojaiye, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Ibadan on Thursday.

According to Durojaiye, Baba was more than a palace pet, describing the tortoise as an important part of the cultural heritage and oral history of the Oyo Kingdom.

Palace tradition holds that Baba originated from Oyo-Ile, the ancient capital of the old Oyo Empire, before being brought to the present Oyo palace. It was subsequently said to have survived the reigns of several Alaafins.

The current Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, reportedly met Baba at the palace after ascending the throne.

Over the years, the tortoise became a notable attraction for visitors to the palace because of its reported extraordinary age, size and historical significance. Palace officials were responsible for caring for it, with its diet reportedly including watermelon, corn pap and grass.

Durojaiye said Baba was regarded in Oyo tradition as the “oldest indigene” and had become a cherished presence during the reigns of successive monarchs.

The palace has expressed its intention to preserve Baba’s memory and document its place in the history and cultural traditions of the Oyo Kingdom.