Esigie, the Oba of Benin who ruled from 1504 to 1550, was born to Idia. Before and during her son’s rule as the oba (king) of the Edo people, she was regarded as a fierce warrior who fought valiantly.
Esigie’s father, Oba Ozolua, passed away, and Queen Idia played a key role in getting him the oba title. In order to accomplish this, she organized an army to confront his brother Arhuaran, who was ultimately vanquished in battle. Esigie therefore became Benin’s 17th Oba.
In addition to giving it to his mother and Eguae-Iyoba, Esigie created the title of “iyoba” (queen mother) (Palace of the Queen Mother).
The Igala tribe of the nearby region sent warriors across the Benue River to seize control of Benin’s northern provinces after that. Esigie vanquished the Igala, restoring peace and military might to the realm.
Most of the credit for these outcomes went to his mother Idia, whose tactical counsel as well as her magical abilities and medical know-how were considered to be essential elements of Esigie’s success on the battlefield.
During the British Benin Expedition in 1897, several works of art that portray Idia were taken from Benin City and are now kept in museums all over the world. Along with other Benin Bronzes, they have come under pressure to be sent home.
The Queen Idia ivory mask from the British Museum was adopted as the logo for the 1977 Second World Black and African Festival of Art and Culture (FESTAC), which was held in Nigeria.
In the 1979 movie The Mask, directed by Eddie Ugbomah, the Nigerian protagonist steals a Queen Idia mask from the British Museum.
