Popular Ogbomoso tortoise, known as Alaga, has died at the age of 344.
Okay.ng understands that the aged tortoise residing at the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi, died after a brief illness some days ago.
Toyin Ajamu, Private Secretary to the Oba, announced the death of Alaga in a statement to newsmen in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Thursday.
In the statement, Ajamu said the tortoise, which attracted visitors from Nigeria and abroad, will be greatly missed not only by the palace household but by everyone who came in contact with it.
He said: “Alagba 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.
“Oftentimes, Kabiyesi shares great moments with Alagba.
“On a daily basis, Alagba had tourists visiting here from different parts of the world.
“The palace household, Ogbomoso community, and stakeholders in the tourism sector are mourning Alagba’s passage.”
