Oyo Kingdom has lost one of its most enduring symbols of history and tradition as a 420-year-old tortoise, popularly known as Baba, has died at the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo.

Baba, regarded by residents as the oldest indigene of Oyo, was a treasured palace animal that had survived generations of monarchs and was cared for by successive Alaafins.

Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, in a statement, described Baba as more than a tortoise, saying that the animal had become a part of the oral history of the Yoruba people and a major attraction at the ancient palace.

According to him, the incumbent Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, met Baba at the palace after his ascension to the throne.

Durojaiye said confirmed oral history indicated that Baba was brought from Oyo-Ile, the seat of the old Oyo Empire, to the present palace in Oyo town.

He said two palace officials had been responsible for the tortoise’s welfare over the years, while its longevity and unusual size made it a major attraction for visitors to the palace.

He said many people visited the palace specifically to see Baba, making the animal part of the tourist experience in Oyo.

According to him, Baba was reportedly fed with water melon, corn pap wrapped in leaves and grass.

He said the tortoise fell ill on Monday and stopped eating before it eventually died and had been buried.