Africa’s oldest tortoise, ‘Alagba’ dies after brief illness

Arguably, the oldest tortoise in Africa, popularly addressed as ‘Alagba’  (meaning ‘The Elderly one’) in the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oyo state, Nigeria has died following  a brief illness at the age of 344.

The sacred tortoise, as reliably gathered  was sick for a few days before her demise, today Thursday, 3rd of October, 2019.

The tortoise, however became a popular breed upon ascension of the throne of the current Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajangungbade III.

The Private Secretary to Oba Oyewumi, Oluwatoyin Ajamu, who also confirmed the incident informed that the tortoise, which has attracted several tourists across the globe will be greatly missed not only by the palace household but everyone who came in contact with ALAGBA during her lifetime.

”Alagba had lived in the palace for centuries. 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 part of the world.

” The palace household, Ogbomoso community and stakeholders in the tourism sector are mourning Alagba’s passage”, Ajamu stressed.

The Palace secretary added that plans are underway to preserve Alagba’s body for historical records.

Alagba, though  believed to be older than everyone in Ogbomoso, but permutations about her  true age relies heavily on oral history. Her present age was arrived at by situating it with the period of the Soun (King) who reigned then.

Alagba was allegedly brought to the palace by Soun Ikumoyede Ajao, the third Soun of Ogbomoso, who is believed to have been born sometime in the late 16th century and who reigned in the 17th.