- For the moth genus, see Idia (moth). was the mother of Esigie
, the Oba of Benin who ruled from 1504 to 1550. 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 successfully 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 vie