OBITUARY: 420 YEAR-OLD TORTOISE 'BABA' DIES PEACEFULLY IN OYO PALACE

The historic tortoise of the Oyo Kingdom, fondly known as Baba, has died at the reported age of 420 and has been buried after living for generations at the palace of the Alaafin.

The Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, disclosed the development, describing Baba as more than an ordinary tortoise because of its connection to Yoruba history and oral traditions.

According to Durojaiye, the current Alaafin, His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, met Baba at the Palace, where successive Alaafins had cared for and inherited it as part of the relics associated with their ancestors.

Durojaiye said, “In Oyo, Baba was regarded as the oldest indigene. It was the Alaafin’s most besotted pet. The incumbent paramount ruler met it in the palace, as Baba was nourished by a succession of Kings, who inherited him as part of the relics of their ancestors,” adding that Baba represented “a part of the oral history of the Yoruba race.”

The palace account holds that Baba was brought from Oyo-Ile, the former capital of the Oyo Empire, to the present palace in Oyo town, where it later became a tourist attraction for residents and visitors.

Baba was said to have fed mainly on watermelon, corn pap wrapped in leaves and grass, while its reported longevity and name, meaning “father,” reflected the special status accorded to it.

The tortoise reportedly fell ill on Monday and stopped eating before it died, ending the life of an animal that, according to the Palace’s historical account, survived several generations of Alaafins.

Durojaiye said: “In Oyo, Baba was regarded as the oldest indigene. It was the Alaafin’s most besotted pet. The incumbent Paramount Ruler met it in the Palace, as Baba was nourished by a succession of Kings, who inherited him as part of the relics of their ancestors.

“Baba was more than a turtle in status. He represented a part of the oral history of the Yoruba race. Now, the Alaafin has lost an ageless companion.”

Baba has since been buried, with the palace expected to preserve the memory of the tortoise, which had become a symbol of Oyo’s enduring past for residents and visitors.

False media reports on supervision of children in changing rooms

On September 14th 2026, a number of reports appeared in the media which falsely claimed that NSPCC guidance for schools is that adults of the opposite sex should be allowed to supervise children in changing rooms. This is untrue. 

We advise that adults supervising children in changing rooms are of the same sex as the children. This is clearly set out in our NSPCC Sport guidance.

Our briefing for schools reflects government guidance which is currently unclear on this issue. Our briefing does not say adults of the opposite sex should supervise children changing. The briefing is pending review following any further updates from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and Department for Education to ensure schools and professionals have the clarity they need to keep children safe.

The EHRC is currently consulting on updated technical guidance for England, Wales and Scotland explaining schools’ legal obligations not to discriminate against, harass or victimise pupils under the Equality Act 2010. This includes information on the provision of toilets, changing rooms and showers. The consultation closes on 30 September 2026 (EHRC, 2026).

Insecurity: ALAAFIN Says Strategic Placement of Military Barracks near Local Communities are Vital Infrastructure for Deterrence, Local Economic Integration

PRESS RELEASE ( 10/9/2026)

Insecurity: ALAAFIN Says Strategic Placement of Military Barracks near Local Communities are Vital Infrastructure for Deterrence, Local Economic Integration.

The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, has said strategic placement of military barracks and forward operating bases in or near local communities serves as a vital infrastructure for deterrence, rapid response, and local economic integration.

He also stated that embedding military infrastructure in volatile or frontline areas shifts the security posture from reactive responses to preventative protection, deterring banditry and other criminal sanctuaries.

In a release by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Oba Owoade stated this on Wednesday while receiving project inspection team from the Ministry of Defence , Abuja, who paid him a courtesy visit.

In May this year, some pupils and teachers from Yawota, Esin- Elee Oyo, and Alawusa communities in the Orire local government area of Oyo State were abducted by bandits. The affected communities were dominated by Oyo indigenes.

They were later released from captivity barely three months after, following the intervention by combined team of the Military and the Police .

Consequently, there had been repeated calls by the Alaafin and other relevant stakeholders for the establishment of a military base as existential urgency to counter insurgency in the area.

The Federal Government eventually acceded to these calls by approving the establishment of a Military base at Ote - Efon community in the Atiba local government area, with close proximity to Orire communities and Iseyin town. 

In line with the approval, the Ministry of Defence, Abuja, constituted a Project Monitoring team led by Dr. Jude Alorio, as the Project Director.

The Project team accompanied by the local committee today inspected the large expanse of land donated for the construction of the Military base at Ote- Efon community.

The Paramount Ruler noted that amid various counterinsurgency efforts, one strategy often underutilized but profoundly effective is the strategic placement of military barracks in hotbeds of insurgency. 

According to him, "" this could be the surgical intervention that the country desperately needs not only to suppress threats but to reassure and rebuild confidence among the citizenry in the power and presence of the Nigerian state.

"" Military barracks are not just buildings; they are symbols of state authority, operational readiness, and psychological assurance. The physical presence of trained armed forces deters any act of insurgency, , disrupts criminal sanctuaries, and introduces a permanent security infrastructure that cannot be easily overwhelmed or withdrawn like a special task force.

"" When barracks are located far from conflict zones, deployment is reactionary security operatives arrive after the damage has been done. But when military infrastructure is embedded in the heart of volatile zones, the state becomes both proactive and preventative. Barracks serve as launchpads for swift response operations, intelligence gathering, and community-military partner"".

 Oba Owoade further pointed out that "" Military installations stimulate commerce by creating jobs, increasing demand for housing and transport services, and fostering localized markets, just as host communities often benefit from spillover investments, such as improved access roads, healthcare access, power supply, and water projects linked to military garrisons. Integrated bases facilitate joint intelligence gathering, community-oriented welfare outreaches, and structured dialogue between security forces and civilian leadership"".

Alaafin therefore lauded President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Defence for approving the establishment of a Military base at Ote- Efon, which he posited would further strengthening security, improve rapid response to threats, protect communities, and enhance the safety of lives and property across the affected local government areas.

Earlier, Dr.Alorio expressed delight at what he referred to as "" seriousness and commitment "" of the local committee in working together with the monitoring team in achieving its aims and objectives.

According to him, "" I must say that we are indeed grateful for the support and cooperation. The place is beautiful and General Officer Commanding the 2nd Mechanised Division is delighted about it and very much interested"".

While expressing the monitoring team's grattitude for the warm reception according them, Dr. Alorio requested for surveying of the acquired land in order to facilitate timely construction of the project. 

In the same vein, Arch- Bishop Emeritus Lawrence Ayoade Ladigbolu , said "" today is a memorable one. A day that the Federal Government decides that the people of Oyo matters, deserves attention. A day that the people's hope is being rekindled. A day that despite is coming the way of the people for protection against banditry and other criminal onslaughts . The good people of Oyo gladly appreciate these and are sincerely grateful to the Federal Government"".

Highlights of the event included presentation of letter of authorisation , and documents on the landed property by the Alaafin to the the monitoring team leader , Dr.Alorio.

BREAKING: Alaafin Of Oyo Declares Chieftaincy Title Claimed By A Brazilian Yemoja Worshipper Paula Ferraira Null And Void!

 Alaafin Of Oyo Declares Chieftaincy Title Caimed By A Brazilian Yemoja Worshipper Paula Ferreira Null And Void!

Ferreira was on August 23, 2026, bestowed with the title “Yeye Atayese Oniyemoja of Oyo Land”, according to her subsequent social media post.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has declared invalid a traditional title bestowed on Brazilian national Paola Almeida Ferreira by Yemoja worshippers in Oyo, saying the conferment was made without the permission of the palace.

Ferreira was on August 23, 2026, bestowed with the title “Yeye Atayese Oniyemoja of Oyo Land”, according to her subsequent social media post.

However, in a public statement dated August 26 and signed by the Alaafin, the monarch said the title was not valid under the native laws, customs and chieftaincy traditions of Oyo Land.

The statement, titled “Title Yeye Atayese Oniyemoja of Oyo Land,” was issued from the Alaafin’s palace under reference number AL 1/VOL.8/105.

His Imperial Majesty Alaafin of Oyo Oba Engineer Abimbola Owoade said traditional titles could not be conferred in Oyo without the knowledge and approval of the Alaafin, who he described as the prescribed authority and custodian of the town’s historical and cultural heritage.

“This statement is to certify in exercise of the powers conferred upon to me under the native laws, customs and chieftaincy tradition of Oyo Land that any traditional title can't be conferred without the awareness and permission of the authority of the Alaafin in Oyo community and its environs,” the monarch said.

He subsequently declared the title given to Ferreira officially invalid.

“Therefore, the Alaafin of Oyo, the custodian of the historical and cultural Heritage in Oyo as the prescribe authority, hereby informs that the title YEYE ATAYESE ONIYEMONJA OF OYO LAND, bestowed on the 23rd August 2026 to PAOLA ALMEIDA FERREIRA, Brazilian citizen is OFFICIALLY INVALID,” Oba Owoade stated.

Ferreira had celebrated the conferment of the title in a Facebook post on August 24, describing it as a position carrying responsibility and a connection to the sacred.

“There are titles that are responsibilities, recognition, and commitment to the sacred,” she wrote.

She described Atayese Oniyemoja as a priestly title associated with the Yemoja cult and said it was linked to the “strength, protection, and transformative power” of the deity.

According to Ferreira, Yemoja represents “a source of life, motherhood, acceptance, depth, and strength.”

“Her waters nourish, protect, and renew!” she added.

Explaining the significance she attached to the title, Ferreira wrote: “Therefore, carrying the title Atayese Oniyemoja represents being linked to a greater mission: to transform, care for, guide, and contribute to people's lives finding paths of balance, prosperity, and renewal through the strength of Yemọja.”

She further described the title as one that carries a responsibility to Yemoja and to devotees seeking positive transformation.

“Atayese Oniyemoja: one who carries a responsibility before Yemọja and before those who seek, through her strength, a better life,” she said.

Ferreira concluded her post with a prayer for devotees of Yemoja.

“May the waters of Yemọja continue to open paths, bring transformation, and strengthen all those who walk under her protection. Àṣẹ!” she wrote.

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