Chief Ovia Idah

Chief Ovia Idah, also known as Igbolovia (Igbinovia) Ida and Ovidah Ida, was born in 1908, in Oria, Delta State. He was a Sculptor who learned the Benin-style wood and ivory carving, called "omada style" carving while serving as a page under Oba Eweka II of Benin. Chief Idah worked as carpenter and designer at the Public Works Department, Lagos (1923-1947); a teacher at King's College, Lagos; art instructor at Benin Divisional Council Secondary Modern School, Benin City (1947-1950), and head carving section, arts & crafts school, Benin Divisional Council, until 1967. He operated Olokun Gallery, Benin City, and trained artists, he also organized ebony carvers into the Carvers' Cooperative, Ministry of Trade and Industry in Benin City.

Chief Idah worked in ebony, ivory, plastic, cement and wood, he also created terracotta and cement sculptures. He influenced both Festus Idehen and Felix Eboigbe. Chief Idah died in 1968.