Facts About ’Alagba’, 344-Year-Old Ogbomoso’s Iconic Tortoise
Alagba, Nigeria’s royal tortoise alleged to be the oldest in Africa, lived to the estimated age of 344 before its death on October 3, 2019.
Considered a historical figure, Alagba lived in the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso in Oyo State and breathed its last during the reign of Oba Oladunni Oyewumi.
Here are some interesting details about Alagba that will amaze you:
Alagba had at least two caregivers dedicated to seeing to its needs, a small apartment within the palace and was fed the same food as humans including plantain, rice and beans when it was alive.
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Alagba, which means elder in Yoruba land, was believed to have been brought to the palace by Isan Okumoyede, who reigned from 1770 to 1797 when he returned from a successful expedition during his reign as the third Soun of Ogbomoso over 200 years ago, indicating that the tortoise lived through the reign of 18 Ogbomoso kings.
People who visited prayed to the animal because it was believed to have healing powers and was often associated with blessings, longevity and protection for the palace and the town.
While Alagba was alive, it attracted visitors from far and wide. The current king, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, said he plans to preserve its remains for tourism and historical records.
Surprisingly, Alagba was not a giant tortoise as one would expect due to its age but it was categorised as an African spur-thighed tortoise
Vanguard
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
