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A tortoise known as “Baba”, believed by the Alaafin of Oyo Palace to have lived for about 420 years, has died after falling ill and losing its appetite.

Baba died on Monday at the Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo, according to the palace’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye.

The reported age of the tortoise could not be independently verified through scientific records.

The 420-year estimate is based on the Palace’s oral history, which holds that Baba had survived several generations of Oyo monarchs.

Durojaiye said Baba was regarded as more than a pet, describing the tortoise as a historical relic inherited by successive Alaafins.

“Baba was regarded as the oldest indigene. It was the Alaafin’s most besotted pet. The incumbent Paramount Ruler met it in the Palace, as Baba was nourished by a succession of Kings, who inherited him as part of the relics of their ancestors,” he said.

According to the palace official, oral accounts traced Baba’s arrival at the present palace to Oyo-Ile, the capital of the old Oyo Empire.

The tortoise reportedly became a tourist attraction, drawing visitors who wanted to see an animal believed to have survived for centuries.

Its name, “Baba”, means father in Yoruba and reflected the affection and respect attached to the animal.

“Baba was more than a turtle in status. He represented a part of the oral history of the Yoruba race,” Durojaiye said.

He said the tortoise was cared for by two palace officials and fed with watermelon, corn pap wrapped in leaves and grass.

Durojaiye said Baba remained strong and friendly and often attracted crowds whenever visitors came to the palace.

However, the tortoise reportedly fell ill on Monday and stopped eating.

“It was just a little sickness, and Baba couldn’t eat anymore.

Then he died. Just like that,” Durojaiye said.

Baba has since been buried.

“Now, the Alaafin has lost an ageless companion,” Durojaiye said.

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The African Action Congress, AAC, presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore has vowed to scrap the office of the First Lady if he becomes president in 2027.

Sowore explained that the Nigerian constitution does not give room for the office of the First Lady.

Featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Tonight on Thursday, Sowore said being elected president wouldn’t change his marriage, but his wife would not take on an official role as First Lady.

He said: “The Nigerian Constitution does not include a position called First Lady. Becoming president won’t end my marriage, but I won’t take on the role of First Lady.”

He said women would still have a say in his government, but argued  that keeping a job for the president’s wife was using public money for a role that isn’t officially allowed by the Constitution.

Sowore added: “Women’s voices will be heard, but I don’t think we need a First Lady who is in a position that goes against the constitution and is just spending money that should be used for moving forward and building things.

“I’m just letting you know, based on our policies, there won’t be a position for the first lady during Sowore’s presidency.”

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Nigeria’s Falconets have advanced to the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after defeating England 3-0.

The Falconets produced a dominant performance, securing their second victory of the tournament and taking their goals tally to 13 in four matches.

Tosin Rafiu gave Nigeria the lead in the eighth minute before Janet Akekoromowei doubled the advantage two minutes into the second half.

Mary Mamudu completed the scoring in the 73rd minute as the Falconets sealed an emphatic victory over England.

Captain Christiana Uzoma was also instrumental in the win after saving Rachel Maltby’s penalty in the first half to preserve Nigeria’s lead.

Nigeria will return to action in the quarter-finals on September 20, 2026.