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| Queen Iden | |
|---|---|
| Born | Oka village (present day Upper Sakponba Road in Benin) |
Queen Iden (circa 1673–1700 AD) was the wife of Oba Ewuakpe,[1][2] and she is recognized for her historical significance in the Benin Kingdom, particularly during the early 18th century.[3][4][5] She was born in Oka village, located in present-day Upper Sakponba Road in Benin,[5] Queen Iden symbolized attributes such as love, beauty, courage, support, and faithfulness to the Benin people[6].
Background
editHer marriage to Prince Idova eventually led to her becoming one of the wives of Prince Idova, later crowned as Oba Ewuakpe, the 26th Oba of Benin.[3][3] In the early 18th century, Oba Ewuakpe faced unprecedented challenges during his reign, marked by rebellion and the withdrawal of support from key chiefs. As historical accounts describe,[5] Notably, he was a young ruler known for his impulsive nature, and his ascension to the throne was not through hereditary lineage but rather a result of his father, Akennuzama, passing on the responsibility.[3]
During the reign of Oba Ewuare, a prophecy foretold the emergence of an Oba named Idova, later Enennegha, who would bring about significant changes in the kingdom. As Enennegha, he was presented to the Uzama chiefs and crowned the Oba of Benin with the title Ewuakpe. Despite warnings about his authoritarian rule, Oba Ewuakpe's reign became tumultuous, especially following the death of his mother, Queen Ewebonoza, at Uselu.[3] Queen Ewebonoza's funeral marked a dark chapter in Benin's history,[5] as Oba Ewuakpe reportedly conducted numerous human sacrifices, a practice rooted in Oba Ewuare's reign. This included the murder of titled chiefs and emissaries from Ikoka, his mother’s village, during the burial. This led to resentment, brewing discontent, and a full-fledged rebellion against Oba Ewuakpe, led by Chief Iyase and other key figures.[3][7]
During Ewuakpe's absence on a journey to Uselu, the rebellion reached its peak. The palace was deserted, and even though the Oba's wives and children were granted freedom to leave, Queen Iden chose to remain. Efforts to persuade her to depart were unsuccessful, as she believed in the permanence of her role as the Oba's wife.[3] Upon Ewuakpe's return, he found a desolate palace with only Queen Iden awaiting him.[5] She recounted the atrocities committed by the rebels, and the Oba, rejected by his people, faced humiliation. Queen Iden, embodying unwavering loyalty, stood by him during these trying moments. In a desperate attempt to end the rejection of his rule,
Sacrifice
editQueen Iden sought guidance from an oracle. The oracle prescribed a scenario for the resumption of loyalty to the Oba, but it required a human sacrifice. Facing a lack of alternatives and potential backlash, Queen Iden, driven by unparalleled love, offered herself for the sake of unity and harmony in the kingdom.[1][2][5]
The method of sacrifice remains unclear, with one version suggesting burial alive by her husband, while another implies involvement of a native doctor. Regardless, Iden's request for protection from insults in her grave was honored until the British takeover in 1897. Before she was buried near the Oba market,[8] Queen Iden instructed her husband not to allow any dirt to remain on her grave and warned that anyone stepping on it should be immediately killed.[5]
Aftermath
editIden's sacrifice yielded positive outcomes. Signs of the people resuming their service to the king were observed, leading to reconciliations, gifts, and repopulation of the palace. Oba Ewuakpe, rehabilitated by Queen Iden's sacrifice, introduced the system of primogeniture to stabilize the monarchy[6].[3] The principle of primogeniture, still integral to Benin's political institution, emerged from Queen Iden's sacrifice, bringing not only unity and peace but also stability to the Benin kingdom. Recognizing the pivotal role of women, especially Queen Iden, in shaping the socio-political culture of pre-colonial Benin is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the historical narrative.[7]
Oloi Iden's Day
editEvery year on February 14th, people of the Benin Kingdom gathers to celebrate Oloi Iden's Day,[7] a poignant commemoration of Queen Iden's sacrifice and enduring impact. The day was initiated by Imasuen Amowie Izoduwa, representing the Great Benin Descendants (GBD),[5] in recognition of Queen Iden's heroism and virtues. Since its establishment in the year 2018, Oloi Iden's Day has gained widespread public acceptance among the Benins.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b Egwuenu, Eyitemi (2015-01-30). Torque. Balboa Press. ISBN 978-1-5043-2684-1.
- ^ a b "Queen Iden of Benin Empire". Artisera. Retrieved 2024-02-12.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Queen Iden Of Benin". edoworld.net. Retrieved 2024-02-12.
- ^ "Remarkable Historical Figures of Ancient Benin Kingdom". Google Arts & Culture. Retrieved 2024-02-12.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Enogholase, Gabriel (February 27, 2022). "Day Queen Iden who was buried alive for Benin-City peace 'resurrected'". Vanguard.
- ^ a b "Group Tasks Edo On Immortalization Of Queen Iden – Independent Newspaper Nigeria". 2022-02-16. Retrieved 2024-06-03.
- ^ a b c Nigeria, Guardian (2020-03-22). "Queen Iden: Selfless intercessor". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2024-02-12.
- ^ "The tomb of Queen Iden (1700 AD)". Google Arts & Culture. Retrieved 2024-02-12.