LIFESTYLE Culture

Oyo Kingdom Loses 420-Year-Old Giant Tortoise

by admin on | 2026-09-18 12:32:47

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By Maryam Muhammad

The oldest and most famous animal resident in Oyo Kingdom, Baba, a giant tortoise, believed to have lived inside the royal palace for 420 years, has died after falling ill.

Also known across the region as the oldest living animal in Yorubaland, Baba was a central fixture in the palace of Alaafin, the paramount ruler of Oyo Kingdom.

The Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, disclosed that in Oyo Town, Baba was regarded as the oldest indigene, saying his long life made him a living bridge to the past, connecting generations of Yoruba culture and history.

Durojaiye stated: "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.”

He explained that over the decades, thousands of tourists and local visitors travelled to the ancient palace specifically to see Baba, as his impressive size, friendly personality, and unbelievable age made him a major attraction.

Durojaiye said people were so fond of his fatherly age that no one used a regular name for him; they simply called him "Baba" which means "father" in the Yoruba language.

He noted: "Unlike famous Yoruba legends where royal animals were expected to die alongside their kings during rituals, Baba survived many different monarchs. He remained a peaceful constant through changing centuries, outlasting kings and carrying the stories of the old empire into the modern era."

He said Baba suffered a short illness on Monday, stopped eating, and passed away quietly later that day and has since been buried within the palace grounds.

"His passing marks the end of a unique era for the kingdom and leaves a quiet void in the heart of the palace. 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.

"Even though Baba is gone, his legacy remains alive in the town's history. His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Owoade plans to preserve the memory of the beloved tortoise so that future generations can continue to learn about his story for another century," Durojaiye noted.

It was gathered that for centuries, Baba was cared for by a line of kings who passed down the responsibility of taking care of him as royal caretakers and served him his favourite food, including watermelon, leafy grass, and corn pap wrapped in leaves.

Two dedicated palace officials were also assigned full-time to monitor his health and daily routine.