A tortoise known as Baba, which was reportedly believed to be about 420 years old, has died at the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo in Oyo State.
Baba died on Monday, September 14, 2026, after reportedly falling ill and refusing to eat.
The tortoise was regarded by residents as the oldest indigene of Oyo and had become a treasured relic of the ancient Oyo Kingdom, surviving several generations of monarchs and being cared for by successive Alaafin.
The Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Ibadan on Thursday, September 17.
Durojaiye described Baba as more than a tortoise, saying it had become part of the oral history of the Yoruba people and a major attraction at the ancient palace.
According to him, the current Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, met Baba at the palace after ascending the throne.
He explained that the tortoise had been cared for by successive kings, who inherited it as part of the historical relics associated with the palace.
Durojaiye said oral history indicated that Baba was brought from Oyo-Ile, the former seat of the Oyo Empire, to the present-day palace in Oyo town.
He added that two palace officials had been responsible for the tortoise’s welfare over the years, while its reported longevity and unusual size made it a major attraction for visitors.
According to him, some visitors travelled to the palace specifically to see Baba, making the tortoise an important part of the palace’s tourist experience.
Baba was reportedly fed with watermelon, corn pap wrapped in leaves and grass.
Durojaiye said the tortoise fell ill on Monday, stopped eating and later died. He added that Baba had since been buried.
