By Sola Ojewusi
Lagos – It was a solemn gathering at St. John’s Military Protestant Church, Bonny Cantonment, Lagos, on Saturday, as dignitaries, military officers, and family members bade farewell to former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State, Navy Captain Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade (Rtd.).
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and his Ekiti State counterpart, Biodun Oyebanji, led tributes at the funeral service, describing the late Olubolade as a fine officer, statesman, and bridge-builder who served the nation with dignity, passion, and love.
Governor Diri, who led a large delegation from Bayelsa to Lagos, said Olubolade’s contributions to the state during his tenure from 1997 to 1998 left enduring legacies. He noted that the late administrator was instrumental in building the Civil Servants Quarters in Yenagoa, which will now be named in his honour.
“He was not just an Ekiti man but also a true Bayelsan,” Diri said. “We in Bayelsa will forever remember his selfless service and the love he showed our people. On behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State, I extend our deepest condolences to his wife, children, family, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and the people of Ekiti State for this great loss.”
Governor Oyebanji also paid glowing tribute to Olubolade, hailing his professionalism in the Navy and his dedication to national unity.
The late Olubolade, who served as Bayelsa’s pioneer Military Administrator, retired from the Nigerian Navy as a Captain and later ventured into politics, holding various national assignments.
He is survived by his wife, children, and extended family.
