Queen Idia

Queen Idia was a 16th century warrior queen; mother to Esigie, Oba of Benin Kingdom (King of Benin Kingdom).
Idia, often regarded as a great warrior, highly skilled in the art of Spirituality and knowledge of Medicine, played a significant role in securing the royal title of Oba for her son, raising an army and fiercely defeating oppositions.
Much of the excellent strides made during the reign of Oba Esigie could be credited to Queen Mother Idia as she guided her son physically and spiritually in crafting one of the most defining eras of the Benin Kingdom.
Her face was used for the sculpture of the Nigerian Festival FESTAC ‘77.