BENIN KINGDOM - QUEEN IDIA

 


Queen Idia of Benin kingdom was a strong, resilient and unique woman, she was born in the 16th century in present day Edo state Nigeria. She was the mother of the great King Esigie who ruled from 1504 - 1550. She was married to Oba Ozolua. She wasn't only a political figure but also a spiritual one. During her husband's reign, the kingdom faced external threats and suffered internal conflicts, she helped her husband unify the kingdom and bring about stability through her spiritual and intellectual capabilities. It is said that she marched alongside her husband in battle to motivate the soldiers.

Her husband, Oba Ozolua died. At the time of his death, none of his sons were of age to rule. In such an instance, the late king's brother was to take over the throne, but Queen Idia raised up an army, fought and killed him, thus establishing herself as a regent and the 17th Oba of Benin to hold the throne till her son, Esigie was of age. During her regency, she established trade routes with neigbouring kingdoms, which helped strengthen the Benin kingdoms economically.



When Esigie came of age to rule, Arhualan, his step-brother laid claim to the throne which according to tradition was rightfully his being that he is the eldest son of the late Oba Ozuola. Arhualan wanted to get rid of Esigie but there wasn't much he could do for fear of Queen Idia. After much contention, Esigie controlled Benin city, while Arhualan controlled Udo, a town 30km north of Benin city, that was nearly equal to Benin in size and influence.

After some time, Esigie with the help of his mother Queen Idia, gathered the Benin army at Unuame on the river Osse and launched an attack that overthrew Arhualan. Esigie then became the bonafide Oba of Benin. The anscension of Esigie to the throne earned Queen Idia the title " Womb of Orhue" meaning a womb that defied the odds.

According to ancient Benin customs, the kings mother was to be killed upon coronation, Esigie hid Queen Idia until he abolished the tradition, he then gave her the title "Iyoba" which means Queen mother and provided Eguae-Iyoba (Palace of the Queen mother).

The Ivory mask of Queen Idia

It will interest you to know that Queen Idia was an arts enthusiast and most of the iconic Benin arts were made under her tutolage. The most famous is the Ivory mask of Queen Idia, which is presently housed in the British museum. She trained her son's wife to be just like her, so that her death will not be felt.

SOURCES

Wikipedia

Nigeria Stories

 

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