In the uncertain political conditions which followed the end of the Sixth Dynasty and the ephemeral Seventh and Eighth, and element of stability was maintained in some of the provinces by determined nobles who became, in effect, independent rulers. One such family of princes was ruling in Asiut, in Middle Egypt, in the Lycopolite nome.

The elder of these princes was Tefibi, 'Hereditary Prince, Count, Seal-Bearer, Sole Companion, Superior Prophet of Wepwawet, Lord of Asiut.' Although the titles were derived from the Old Kingdom they were largely empty, though the Lycopolite nomarchs did provide some support for the kings ruling in Heracleopolis, who claimed sovereignty over all Egypt.

The Lycopolite nomarchs acted as a buffer against rebels from the south who menaced the Heracleopolitans and who eventually were to overthrow them. Tefibi was succeeded as nomarch by his son, Akhtoy II.