Both arguments cannot be correct

The “myth of matriarchy in precolonial Africa is popular” because “it poses less of a challenge to the status quo.”

https://www.msafropolitan.com/2012/06/the-myth-of-matriarchy-in-africa.html

Or: “Soon after taking control of Palmyrene affairs, Zenobia received an invitation to take direct control of Egyptian affairs by Timagenes, a dissatisfied military and political commander, originally appointed by Rome.”

https://www.africanamerica.org/topic/when-africa-was-a-matriarchy-ruled-by-african-queens-it-flourished-when-it-became-a-patriarchy-it-was-destroyed

Palmyra is in modern-day Syria. The author does not explain how a woman ruling Palmyra could have any effect on sub-Saharan Africa.