The ancient Oyo Kingdom has lost one of its most unusual historical symbols. Baba, a tortoise believed to be 420 years old, has died at the Alaafin’s Palace. Residents regarded Baba as the oldest indigene of Oyo. The palace also treated the tortoise as a treasured animal that survived several generations of monarchs.
According to the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Baba meant more than just a palace pet. He said the tortoise had become part of Yoruba oral history and attracted visitors to the ancient palace.
“Baba was more than a turtle in status. He represented a part of the oral history of the Yoruba race,” Durojaiye said.
He added that the current Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, met Baba after ascending the throne.
Meanwhile, palace officials said oral history linked Baba to Oyo-Ile, the former seat of the Oyo Empire. According to Durojaiye, people brought the tortoise from Oyo-Ile to the present Oyo palace. Two palace officials cared for Baba over the years. His unusual size and reported age also made him a major attraction for visitors. Baba reportedly ate watermelon, corn pap wrapped in leaves and grass.
Sadly, Baba fell ill on Monday and stopped eating. He later died and the palace buried him. His death has revived memories of Yoruba beliefs about the bond between the living, the dead and the unborn. Durojaiye said Baba had witnessed the reigns of several Alaafins.
The current Alaafin now plans to preserve the tortoise’s memory for future generations. For many visitors, Baba was not just an animal. He was a living reminder of Oyo’s long and fascinating history.
