Queen Idia, mother to Esigie who reigned as Oba (king) of the Edo people from 1504 to 1550 was a powerful figure in the Edo kingdom of Benin which ruled parts of the West African coast for seven centuries.
She was one of the heroines from the ancient kingdom of Benin, instrumental in expanding Benin through military conquests and played a role during the Idah war that led to a great Benin victory. She’s described as a great warrior who fought relentlessly.
Queen Idia was instrumental in securing the title of Oba for her son Esigie following the death of his father Oba Ozolua. Esigie, in turn, 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.
Her husband, Ozolua, the Oba from 1483 until 1514, saw her dance, and wanted to make Idia his wife.
Ogidogbo, the first in line for the throne as Oba became illegitimate for the throne because he was crippled due to playing with his brothers, Arualan and Esigie.
She raised an army to fight off Arhuaran, Esigie's step-brother, who was supposed to be the Oba by right and tradition but was subsequently defeated in battle.
The kingdom of Benin was established in the forested region of West Africa in the 1200s AD by the Edo people of southern Nigeria.
Benin began to lose power during the 1800s, civil wars broke out, dealing a significant blow to both Benin’s administration as well as its economy.
The Kingdom of Benin fell around 1897, when British forces launched an expedition against it over a desire for control over West African trade and territory. Benin City was burned by the British, who then made the kingdom part of British Nigeria, which later became Nigeria after the country gained independence in 1960.
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