420-year-old Alaafin Palace Tortoise ‘BABA’ Is Dead

A tortoise known as “Baba”, believed by the Alaafin of Oyo Palace to have lived for about 420 years, has died after falling ill and losing its appetite

‎Baba died on Monday at the Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo, according to the palace’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye.

The reported age of the tortoise could not be independently verified through scientific records.

‎The 420-year-old estimate is based on palace oral history, which says that Baba has survived several generations of Oyo Monarchs.

‎Durojaiye said Baba was regarded as more than a pet, describing the tortoise as a historical relic that successive Alaafins had inherited.

‎“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,” he said

According to the palace official, oral accounts traced Baba’s arrival at the present palace to Oyo-Ile, the capital of the old Oyo Empire.

The tortoise reportedly became a tourist attraction, drawing visitors who wanted to see an animal believed to have survived for centuries.

Its name, “Baba”, means “father” in Yoruba and reflects the affection and respect attached to the animal.

Baba was more than a turtle in status. He represented a part of the oral history of the Yoruba race,” Durojaiye said.

‎He said the tortoise was cared for by two palace officials and fed with watermelon, corn pap wrapped in leaves and grass.

Durojaiye said Baba remained strong and friendly, often attracting crowds whenever visitors came to the palace.

However, the tortoise reportedly fell ill on Monday and stopped eating.

‎“It was just a little sickness, and Baba couldn’t eat anymore.

Then he died. Just like that,” Durojaiye said.

‎Baba has since been buried.

‎“Now, the Alaafin has lost an ageless companion,” Durojaiye said.