"Addwaitya", an Aldabra tortoise, is believed to have lived for 250 years, before his death, on 24th March, 2006, at Kolkata zoo in Calcutta (www.discoverychannel.ca). Presently however, Harriet has been eyed since November 2005 as the intending world oldest animal. She was believed to have been picked up on Galapagos by Darwin and taken to England. She was believed then (2005) to have spent past 160 years in Australia. She is expected to celebrate her 175th birthday, next week, thus being revered as the oldest creature on earth.

But behold! In sub-saharan Africa exists a tortoise, nick named "Alagba". He is found existing in the West African region, precisely Nigeria. He lives in the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso land, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi (Ajagungbade III), in Oyo State. Alagba is believed to have lived up to 320 years. This though very doubtful, was confirmed by the King himself who said he knew the tortoise while he was a child-prince. He however has spent up to 32 years on the thrown and he is the twentieth King on the throne. Ogbomoso town was founded in mid 1600s(www.wikipedia.org).

While it was asked most sons of the soli that are aged now, nine out of every ten people knew of the existence of "Alagba" while growing up. Some even said they do go to the palace with their parents back then to look at the animal.


All we need are some doubting Archiologists to come and prove us right. You can contact me through this blog if interested or mail me at:dannyibk@yahoo.com

INDEED, THE OLDEST LIVING ANIMAL IS AFRICAN!!!