Stories by Ademu Usman Idakwo
The oldest Crocodile that lived in Ibadan, Oyo state in Nigeria has died.
The 84-year-old reptile lived at Delesolu palace, Oje in Ibadan, an ancient city in Nigeria.
The palace in which the ancient crocodile lived and died is known for rearing crocodiles as pets.
Head of the family in the palace, Chief Raufu Delesolu ( Ayingun Olubadan) said the crocodile was brought to Igbejo Delesolu in 1940 after the first one was bought by some European tourists.
He disclosed that since then, it has resided in the Delesolu compound until its recent death.
He said people from various work of life and backgrounds, including Africans and white visitors, enjoyed seeing and feeding it with different foods.
The crocodile predated the birth of the head of the family according to him.
He said the crocodile was a family member but not worshipped as a deity by the ancestors but was a cherished pet.
He recalled that sometimes when the reptile ventured out during the heavy rains, prompting a search by men in the compound to bring it back safely.
The family mourned the loss as the crocodile was buried in the compound.