The 84 year old crocodile raised and nurtured as a pet in the popular Delesolu’s Palace situated at the Oje Community under Ibadan North East Local Government Area of the ancient city of Ibadan, capital of Oyo State is dead.
As a result of this incident, members of the compound trooped into their family compound to give the crocodile a befitting burial and pay their last respect to it.
The head of the family, Chief Raufu Yusuffu Delesolu, who is also the Ayingun Olubadan, confirmed that the crocodile died on Thursday, March 28, 2024.
The Compound head said that the crocodile was brought to Igbejo Delesolu in 1940 after the first one was acquired by white men adding that 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. Despite this loss, there are still other tourist attractions within the compound and Oje community, with plans to potentially acquire another pet to continue preserving their heritage.
