Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd), a former military administrator of Bayelsa State and minister of police affairs. Olubolade, who hailed from Ipoti-Ekiti, Ekiti State, died on Sunday at the age of 70.
In a statement issued by his special adviser on media, Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji described Olubolade’s death as a significant loss to Ekiti and Nigeria at large, praising the late naval officer for his distinguished service in the military, public administration and politics.
“Ekiti has lost a great son who made indelible impacts in his military career, public service, and politics,” Oyebanji said.
The governor emphasised that Olubolade’s legacies will forever be remembered in Bayelsa State, where he laid a solid foundation for development, and at the federal level, where he served as Minister in three different ministries.
Olubolade held key positions in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, serving as minister of state for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), minister of special duties and minister of police affairs.
In Ekiti State, he was a respected political figure, contesting for the governorship under the platforms of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Action Congress (AC) and later the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Oyebanji described him as an advocate of “politics without bitterness,” who worked tirelessly for the development of Ekiti.
The governor extended condolences to Olubolade’s family, including his first daughter, Oluwayemisi Akinadewo, who is married to Gabriel Akinadewo, the publisher of Freedom Online and a member of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I express my condolences to the children, members of the immediate and extended family of the late Navy Captain Olubolade. May God grant them the fortitude to bear this loss and grant the departed eternal rest,” the governor stated.
He also prayed for strength and comfort for the people of Ipoti-Ekiti and the entire state, acknowledging Olubolade’s immense contributions to Ekiti and Nigeria.
Burial arrangements for Olubolade will be announced by the family in due course.
