Alagba, Africa's Oldest Tortoise Who Had 'Healing Powers' Dies At The Age Of 344
A tortoise whose owners claimed was 344 years old has died in the palace of the traditional ruler of Ogbomosho Southwest Nigeria a spokesman said. Animal experts doubt the tortoise&rsquos age but its royal owners say Alagba - meaning Elder - had lived in the Palace for centuries now. If it indeed was 344 that means it was born in 1675.
A tortoise whose owners claimed was 344 years old has died in the palace of the traditional ruler of Ogbomosho, Southwest Nigeria, a spokesman said.
Although animal experts doubt the tortoise¡¯s age, but its royal owners say Alagba - meaning Elder - had lived in the palace for centuries now. If it indeed was 344, that means it was born in 1675!
Alagba died after a brief illness, the personal aide of King - Jimoh Oyewunmi - told AFP.
The tortoise was the "oldest in Africa", Ajamu said. "Alagba lived in the palace for centuries. The tortoise played host to many monarchs in Ogbomoso in the past." The tortoise was said to have been brought to the palace by the third traditional ruler of the town, Isan Okumoyede, hundreds of years ago.
"Often times, Kabiyesi (the king) shares great moments with Alagba. On a daily basis, Alagba, had tourists visiting her from different part of the world," he added.
The remains of the tortoise would be preserved for posterity, Ajamu added.
One expert was skeptical about the real age of the animal. "I seriously doubt if Alagba was 344 years old before it died. Usually, the average age of tortoises is around 100 years," Yomi Agbato, a Lagos-based veterinary doctor told AFP.
Ajamu also said that the tortoise was said to have had ¡®healing powers¡¯ as many people with spiritual problems who came in contact with him, were healed.
