IY’OBA IDIA N’IYESIGIE {QUEEN IDIA}

 IY’OBA IDIA N’IYESIGIE {Queen Idia}

Queen Idia became the first woman ever in the kingdom of Benin to be honoured with the title of ly'Oba. She became the first woman to be ranked as a senior chief, [Eghaeubon'ore] who took part in the administration of the kingdom. 

According to Osewengie Ebohon:

Before Oba Esigie came to the throne in the 16th century it was forbidden for any Oba of Benin to have a mother. The reason was that an ly'Oba (queen mother) would command the same power and authority as the Ọba, and the Benins were not ready to serve two Ọbas, Therefore, before the son's coronation, she would be killed. When Esigie came to the throne, because of the problems he went through and various wars he fought and the part and role the mother, queen idia played, he decreed against the traditional killings of the ly'Oba. He built a palace for the ly'Oba at Uselu where the mother resided, All 1y'Obas have resided there, except Eghaghe the mother of Eweka ll, The white men (British) did not allow him to take her to Uselu__Ebohon 1972

And just like it was forbidden for the Ọba to see his first son then, it is also forbidden for him to see his mother or for her to cross the moat at Uselu to Benin to see her son, A tradition which is still Observe till date