7 Things You Don't Know About Legendary Tortoise Of Ogbomosholand

Alagba

Ogbomoso is a town in South Western Nigeria, which was founded in the mid 17th century. Ogbomoso has become a center for tourist attraction, thanks to the 324-year-old tortoise popularly called Alagba

Alagba has lived long enough to witness the coronations of 17 Soun’s of Ogbomosoland who have reigned in the town since he was taken to the palace.

Read along to find out 7 things you don't know about Alagba


324 years old
 
Alagba, was brought to the palace by Baale Olusemi, also known as Kumoyede Ajao, the third Soun - the ruling house - of Ogbomoso, who reigned between 1770 to 1791.Following Kumoyede's death his properties were transferred to the new monarch, as it is customary for the successor to inherit all the belongings of the deceased King, Alagba has remained in the palace ever since.


Highly Respected

The legendary tortoise is believed to be older than everyone in Ogbomosoland, people are not allowed to address the creature by name, as the yoruba culture holds a strict stance on showing respect to the elders. He is called "Alagba", meaning the Elderly one.
 
Alagba Receives Human Treatment

According to a worker in the palace Alagba eats everything that human beings eat and is served thesame meals as everyone else in the palace. He eats as much food as three or four able men will normally eat, and drinks more than one bucket of water.

Tourist Attraction

A visit to the Soun's palace in Ogbomosho will give you a rare opportunity of coming face to face with the world's biggest tortoise who has made Ogbomosho - the second largest city in Oyo State - a  source of attraction to visitors and tourists. Alagba is said to welcome about 150 visitors daily

He loves Playing In The Rain

Alagba, the oldest tortoise in the world, loves the coolness of raining season and he loves playing in the rain.
 
Mystical Power

Apart from being a tourism attraction, Alagba is also believed to have healing powers, as people who are desperately Seeking Longevity and spiritual healing patronize the legendary creature for healing. It's believed that he has mystical ambiance around him that once a visitors touches him his problems will be solved.




The Kings Friend

According to a palace staff, Alagba recognises the voice of the king as he always shakes his head in acknowlegment everytime the king calls his name. The king in turn pays him a visit occaoccasionalysionaly