MEMBERS of Ibadan Progressives Union (IPU) have said that the humility and deference exhibited by Governor  Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state leading to the amicable resolution of the Olubadan chieftaincy promotion dispute is a mark of his sterling leadership quality.

The IPU President, Johnson Adeniji who led others members on a visit to the governor yesterday, said the elders were indebted to him for his understanding and honour done to them.

He said, Ajimobi, by deferring to the elders who converged at the residence of the President of the Ibadan Elders’ Forum, Ambassador Olusola Saanu, to resolve the crisis proved he is listening leader.

Adeniji said, “Those who knew the tension that had enveloped the city during the disagreement, will appreciate the need to come and thank the governor for not allowing the matter to escalate beyond manageable proportion.

“We consider the governor’s decision to approve the promotion of the high chiefs in spite of the valid issues raised as a mark of great honour and respect for the venerated stool of the Olubadan. As an elder, the governor is one of us and he has demonstrated this.”

Responding, the governor said he was humbled by their openness in calling a spade a spade, which, he said, played a major role in his decision to let the sleeping dog lie.

The governor said that he was an apostle of peace and orderliness, adding that the intervention by the elders doused the tension, which he said would not have occurred in the first place if due process had been followed.