Queen Idia

Queen Idia, was born in the 15th Century in Uzeghudu, Benin Kingdom, present-day Nigeria. Died 1550. Queen Idia is revered by many as being the most powerful woman of her time. Idia is credited with her son’s victory over his brother in the battle for the throne. It was believed that her wise political counsel, medicinal knowledge and, most importantly, her mystical powers of the occult, were the defining strengths behind his success. In so doing, she substantially changed the dynastic history of Benin, assisted in gaining control of trade routes across the kingdom to the Atlantic Ocean, created great wealth for the nation and heralded a blossoming of art and creativity.