SECURITY

The highest security of the Fon is the "Ngumba". "Ngumba" is the Minister of Defense of the palace. 
The Fon is the only commander of the "Ngumba". 
The Fon is the only person who enters the "Ngumba" house.
 The only Fon who suppressed the arms of government and ruled only with his "Chindas" and Ngumba was Gahgwayin 2. 
All "Chindas" are members of "Ngumba" who ensure the security of the Fon. 
That's why the chair cloth of the Fon is in the possession and keeping of the "Chinda". 
There's nothing above the "Ngumba" as far as tradition is concerned.

In a death ceremony, if other masquerades are out, when the "Ngumba" is out, all the others retreat. 
When the Ngumba is out, all the other masquerades and everyone respect them because they are the supreme security of the land. 
A Chinda does not remain in the palace for long. After a long service in the palace, the Chinda goes back home and builds his own family. The rank of an old Chinda is called "Muhkehla", which is after a long service to the palace, then they take a safe, deserved rest from the service of the palace.

When he leaves, he bears children who, in return, become future Chindas or the wife of the Fon.
 Chindas do not remain in the palace all their lives; they do change. When a Chinda overstays in the palace, he starts behaving like the Fon, ordering people. The reputation of the Fon depends on his Chinda; that's a well-behaved Chinda will give the Fon a good reputation while a bad one is the reverse. Chinda is a protocol where a Fon's success and failure rely on him. All organizations in the palace, such as traditional ceremonies and other things in the palace, are ensured by the "Chinda".

Servants in the palace have to rotate; in most cases, they're taken care of by the traditional council, that's they're compensated to enable them to run their families. In case the council doesn't assist them, the village development organization puts them in their budget in order to give them some assistance. We can't shake hands with our Fon for respect and the need for security. The Fon can shake hands with a villager who has done an outstanding thing for the community. The handshake is more of a blessing and encouragement.