Prominent Nigerians




Queen Idia

Full Name: Queen Idia
State of Origin: Bendel
Ethnicity: Edo.
Children: Esigie (son)
Arhuaran(son)
Spouse (s): Oba Ozolua
Residence: Benin Edo
Occupation: Great Warrior

INTRODUCTION
Queen Idia was the mother of Esigie, the Oba of Benin who ruled from 1504 to 1550 He was the first oba to speak any  non-native language (Portugese), living around 1504 AD.  The Portugese first arrived in the Benin Kingdom around 1485, and knowledge of Portugese was very important in dealing with these new trading partners from the west. She played a very significant role in the rise and reign of her son. She was a strong warrior who fought relentlessly before and during her son’s reign as the Oba (king) of the Edo people. When Oba Ozolua died, he left behind two powerful sons to dispute over who would become Oba. His son Esigie controlled Benin City while another son, Arhuaran, was based in the equally important city of Udo about twenty miles away.
Idia mobilised an army around Esigie, which defeated Arhuaran, and Oba Esigie became the 16th king.
The ensuing civil war severely compromised Benin’s status as a regional power and undermined Benin City’s place at the political and cultural center of the kingdom. Exploiting this weakness, the neighboring Igala peoples sent warriors across the Benue River to wrest control of Benin’s northern territories. Esigie ultimately defeated his brother and conquered the Igala, reestablishing the unity and military strength of the kingdom. His mother Idia received much of the credit for these victories as her political counsel, together with her mystical powers and medicinal knowledge, were viewed as critical elements of Esigie’s success on the battlefield. To reward and honor her, Esigie created a new position within the court called the iyoba, or “Queen Mother,” which gave her significant political privileges, including a separate residence with its own staff.
The typical representation of Queen Idia is that of a warrior.  We have works that portray both her warrior side, and her fantastically feminine side.  It shows a women who has it all, power, skill, loyalty, and feminine beauty.
In the first picture this mask of Queen Idia shows the warriors she vanquished along the top of her headdress.  This mask, carved by S. E. Owie, has already sold.

Queen Idia


The second picture is a bust of Queen Idia by the same artist.
Idia became the first Iyoba (Queen Mother) of Benin when Esigie conferred upon her the title and the Eguae-Iyoba (Palace of the Queen Mother).


CAREER 
Idia mobilised an army around Esigie, which defeated Arhuaran, and Oba Esigie became the 16th king.
Subsequently, the neighboring Igala peoples sent warriors across the Benue River to wrest control of Benin's northern territories. Esigie conquered the Igala, reestablishing the unity and military strength of the kingdom. His mother Idia received much of the credit for these victories as her political counsel, together with her magical powers and medicinal knowledge, were viewed as critical elements of Esigie's success on the battlefield.








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