The Edo regard the Oba with love and fear The Oba is a divine king; he has spiritual power as well as traditional political authority. He stands between the spirit and material worlds, securing aid and comfort for himself and for all his people. He rules with divine power The Oba inherits his earthly position and his divine nature from his ancestors. Although the present Oba rules his kingdom within the modern nation of Nigeria, past obas once ruled a vast empire. They controlled the economy, receiving taxes in the form of money, ivory, food and services. They also regulated all trade with outsiders. As divine rules, past obas wielded power over life and death. Only the Oba could pronounce the death penalty or order a human sacrifice. Chiefs and nobles balance the Oba's power Three orders of officials perform important religious funtions and administrative work in Benin, the Seven Hereditary Nobles, Palace Chiefs and Town Chiefs. The Seven Hereditary Nobles have the highest rank, and even crown the Oba, although today they have less power than the appointed chiefs. The Oba appoints Palace Chiefs from the Edo elite. They care for the Oba's regalia, manage the everyday affairs of the traditional kingdom, look after palace household matters and watch over the Oba's wives and children. Town Chiefs represent the people Town Chiefs are chosen from "self-made" men who gain the Oba's attention. The most popular and controversial town chief, the Iyase, is one of the rew officials allowed to argue publicly with the Oba. The Queen Mother (the Oba's mother) is also considered a town chief.