Alagba, the 344 years old tortoise that lived in Soun of Ogbomoso's palace in Oyo state.
badan — A 344-year-old tortoise, said to be the oldest in
Africa, has died in the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi. The
tortoise died yesterday, after a brief illness.
According to the Private Secretary to Oba Oyewumi, Toyin
Ajamu, who broke the news, the tortoise which had turned Ogbomoso to a tourism
centre would be missed greatly.
He said the tortoise, which was popularly called Alagba
(elderly) had lived in the palace for centuries, saying "the tortoise
played host to many monarchs in Ogbomoso in the past.
"Alagba became popular because Oba Oladunni Oyewumi,
Soun of Ogbomosoland, used his personal resources to cater for her well being.
"The tortoise had two staff members of the palace
dedicated to her. They provide food, health support and other logistics, so as
to make sure she gets the best treatment.
"Often times, Kabiyesi shares great moments with
Alagba. On a daily basis, Alagba had tourists visiting her from different parts
of the world. The palace household, Ogbomoso community and stakeholders in the
tourism sector are mourning Alagba's passage."
The palace secretary added that plans were underway to
embalm Alagba's body for historical records.
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