Ibadan: Legendary Crocodile dies at 84

The Delesolu’s palace has announced the passing of the long-aged crocodile, aged 84. The death was confirmed on March 28, 2024, by the palace, located in the Oje Community, Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State.

 

Over the years, many tourists have visited the palace due to the availability of numerous historical sites in the palace and its environs. The palace is known for its uniqueness in rearing crocodiles as pets.

 

According to Chief Raufu Yusuffu Delesolu (Ayingun Olubadan), the crocodile was brought to Igbejo Delesolu in 1940 after the first one was bought by some white men. Since then, it has been in Delesolu’s compound until its demise.

 

Chief Raufu further explained that people from all walks of life, including Africans, loved seeing and feeding it with all sorts of food.

 

“I grew up knowing the pet as it had been in existence before I was born; it was about 84 years old,” he noted.

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“Historically, the crocodile had never been reported to be a god, as our fathers did not worship it at any moment.

 

“They only visited it every day to feed it and to ensure its well-being.”

“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 then 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.”

 

He reiterated, however, that the crocodile is not a god, as speculated by many people. It is just a pet cherished by their forefathers, and the responsibility lies with them to preserve this important heritage.”