In Oyo, Oyo State, a tortoise that was thought to be 420 years old and considered one of the world's oldest surviving animals by the Alaafin of Oyo's Palace passed away.

The tortoise, often referred to as Baba, was buried at the palace after apparently passing away on Monday due to illness.

As part of the palace's historical legacy, Baba was considered a priceless artefact of the former Oyo Kingdom and had supposedly been cared after by succeeding Alaafins.

In a statement released in Ibadan on Thursday, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin's director of media and publicity, revealed Baba's passing.

According to Durojaiye, the tortoise has evolved into a significant component of the Yoruba people's oral history and cultural legacy, making it more than just a palace pet.

"Baba was more than a turtle in status. He represented a part of the oral history of the Yoruba race. Now, the Alaafin has lost an ageless companion,” he said.

According to oral tradition, Baba originated in Oyo-Ile, the former Oyo Empire, from where the tortoise was allegedly transported to the current palace in Oyo town.

Due to the tortoise's alleged age and size, tourists reportedly flocked to the castle to witness it over time.

The tortoise was fed watermelon, corn pap wrapped in leaves and grass, according to the palace, which also stated that two officials were tasked with taking care of Baba.

The statement claims that Baba became sick on Monday and stopped eating before passing away.

Source