An 84-year-old crocodile which lived at Delesolu’s Palace, Oje in Ibadan, Oyo State is dead.
The palace in which the ancient crocodile died is known for its unique practice of rearing crocodiles as pets.
Because of this, the palace has been a popular choice for many tourists due to its historical sights.
Chief Raufu Yusuffu Delesolu (Ayingun Olubadan), head of the family and a respected Chief in Ibadan, said that the crocodile had been brought to Igbejo Delesolu in 1940 after the first one was acquired by white men. Since then, it had resided in the Delesolu compound until its recent demise.
Chief Raufu explained that people from various backgrounds, including Africans and white visitors, enjoyed seeing and feeding the crocodile with different foods. He mentioned that the crocodile had been around for about 84 years, predating his own birth.
Contrary to speculation, Chief Raufu clarified that the crocodile was not worshipped as a deity by their ancestors but was instead treated as a cherished pet. He reminisced about times when the crocodile would venture out during heavy rains, prompting a search by men in the compound to bring it back safely.
While the family mourns the loss of the crocodile, they are making arrangements for its burial within the family compound.
