Three hundred and forty-four year old tortoise named Alagba believed to be the oldest in Africa is dead.

The tortoise was located at the Palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso, ọba Jimoh Oyewumi.

Alagba died on Thursday, 3rd October 2019 after falling sick days before.

It had become a prominent figure during the reign of the current monarch and usually a tourist attraction for visitors in the palace.

According to a report by the news channel: Daily Post, the monarch was said to have provided good shelter and health support for the tortoise.

Toyin Ajamu, the private Secretary to the monarch, while confirming the death noted that the tortoise attracted people from all walks of life from Nigeria and abroad and will be greatly missed not only by the palace household but everyone who came in contact with Alagba during its lifetime.

"Alagba had lived in the palace for centuries. The tortoise played host to many monarchs in Ogbomoso in the past" he said.

Ajamu also explained that there are plans to preserve Alagba’s body for historical records.

Credits: https://www.onews.com.ng/2019/10/africas-oldest-tortoise-alagba-dies-at-344-in-ogbomoso/