Africa's oldest turtle died at 344 years in Nigeria

Africa's oldest turtle with healing powers has died in Nigeria at the age of 344 in Oyo State.

The tortoise died on Thursday, after a brief illness.

The tortoise died in the palace of the ruler of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, where she lived until her death. 

The tortoise popularly called Alagba (Alagba, meaning 'Elder',) had turned Ogbomoso to a tourism centre would be missed greatly.

Alagba lived in the palace for centuries, and played host to many monarchs in Ogbomoso in the past.

The palace secretary noted that plans were underway to embalm Alagba's body for historical records.