84-year old crocodile dies in Ibadan, Delesolu’s Palace morns
By Samuel Ogunsona
Delesolu’s palace known for its historical landmark has mourned the death of 84-year old ancient Crocodile.
The animal is one of the oldest in Nigeria and has survived generations of royals.
The ancient pet brought into the palace in 1940 was confirmed dead on March 28, 2024.
Ibadan, the third largest city by population in Nigeria for many years has maintained it position as a tourist destination with Delesolu’s Palace standing out as a popular choice due to its many archaeological features.
Chief Raufu Yusuffu Delesolu (Ayingun Olubadan), head of the family and a respected Chief in Ibadan who announced the pass away of the legendary pet shared the history of how the crocodile was brought into the palace when the first one was acquired by white men.
According to him “I grew up to know the pet as it had been in existence before I was born. It was about 84 years.
He said historically, the crocodile had never been reported to be a god as forefathers fathers did not at any moment worship it but stood out as a unique reference
“They only visit it every day to feed it and to be sure of its well-being.”
Baba took us on memory lane as he stated that, “in the olden days before its house was adequately constructed, the crocodile used to crawl out whenever there was heavy rain and men in the compound would now start searching for it. There was a day when it was found in the muddy gutter very close to the palace, at Ojo-Ibadan compound to be precise. It was later brought back to its house.”
Speculation has it that the ancient crocodile has been a mini god in the palace which was debunked by the Chief.
He also noted that the ancient pet has been a symbol of tourist attraction for many years where visitors around the world has visited.
He said there are still other tourist attractions in the family compund and Oje community at large; and there is also high tendency of getting another pet in order to continue preserving the heritage of their forefathers.
