Ife also lies at the center of a trading network with the north.

The oni supports his court with tolls levied on trade, tribute exacted from dependencies, and tithes due him as a religious leader.

One of Ife's greatest legacies to modern Nigeria is its beautiful sculpture associated with this tradition.

The oni is chosen on a rotating basis from one of several branches of the ruling dynasty, which is composed of a clan with several thousand members.

Once elected, he goes into seclusion in the palace compound and is not seen again by his people.

Below the oni in the state hierarchy are palace officials, town chiefs, and the rulers of outlying dependencies.

The palace officials are spokesmen for the oni and the rulers of dependencies who had their own subordinate officials.

All offices, even that of the oni, are elective and depend on broad support within the community.

Each official is chosen from among the eligible clan members who have hereditary right to the office.

Members of the royal dynasty often are assigned to govern dependencies, while the sons of palace officials assume lesser roles as functionaries, bodyguards to the oni, and judges.