Eminent personalities from across Nigeria converged on Lagos at the weekend to bid farewell to Navy Capt Caleb Olubolade (rtd), former Military Administrator (MILAD) of Bayelsa State and ex-minister of police affairs.
The funeral service held on Saturday at Saint John’s Military Protestant Church, Bonny Camp, Victoria Island, was attended by Governors Duoye Diri of Bayelsa and Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti; former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, representing her husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan; PDP chieftain, Bode George; former Ekiti Governor, Niyi Adebayo; Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode (representing the Chief of Naval Staff); Senator Ben Murray-Bruce; Prof Steve Azaiki and others.
Olubolade died on May 11, aged 70, after collapsing while playing tennis in Apapa. He was pronounced dead at Obisesan Naval Medical Hospital.
Born on November 30, 1954, in Ipoti-Ekiti, he served as Bayelsa MILAD from 1997 to 1998 and later as minister in three ministries, Police Affairs, FCT and Special Duties, under former President Jonathan.
During the sermon, the Vicar, Lt Rev E.A. Dodo, posed a question: “What would you be remembered for?”
“Wherever you find yourself, ensure you’re living a life of victory,” he said. “Some of us are here today because of the value our father (Olubolade) added to their lives. Yesterday evening during the service of songs, it was clearly mentioned by Governor Diri that the only sports centre in Bayelsa today was built by Navy Capt Olubolade when he was military administrator there.”
Governor Diri described the burial as a worthy celebration of life for a worthy son.
“The moment like this, we fall short of words to comfort the family. But just believe in God and God alone. And like my brother Oyebanji said, the man lying in state here is a man of honour. That’s enough to comfort you. He has lived a life of cultural identification and discipline,” Diri said.
“Apart from Ekiti State, where he hailed from, he’s also the son of Bayelsa. He carried a dual citizenship. He lived a life of humility and saving lives. He had what it took to take lives, but he never spilled blood. There was an occasion like that when he was MILAD in Bayelsa.
“As if he was preparing for his exit, he had a lavish 70th birthday in Bayelsa last year, and at 71, he is no more. We loved him, but God loved him best. Adieu Navy Capt Caleb Olubolade; continue to rest in the bosom of your Lord.”
Diri also announced that the Civil Service Estate in Yenagoa had been renamed after Olubolade.
Governor Oyebanji said the tributes in the programme were enough consolation for the family.
“To Mrs Olubolade and children, God will be with you and carry you. God will lead a rescue team to you. On behalf of the government and people of Ekiti State, we commiserate with you. To the children, if you read through the tributes in honour of your late father, you’ll be happy. And to the people of Bayelsa State, I thank you. It can’t be better than this,” Oyebanji said.
Patience Jonathan described Olubolade as a man who left a lasting legacy.
“We’re here to condole you. Even if he’s not here physically, he’s here spiritually. Bayelsa is fully here! I can’t thank Governor Duoye Diri enough for organising this state burial for Olubolade.
“He mobilised everyone in Bayelsa from politicians to traditional rulers. You have made us proud. The number of people that turned up for his funeral is an indication of the value he added to several lives.
“As a military administrator of a young state, he left a lasting legacy. He also distinguished himself as minister of three ministries under my husband. To the family, the Lord would comfort you. Our beloved brother left when the ovation was loudest. Though he has left us, he will be deeply missed but not forgotten,” she said.
One of the grandsons, Washington Akinadewo, who gave the vote of thanks, said: “The presence of people and tributes to the late Olubolade are enough comfort for the family. We thank you for honouring us and wish you a safe journey back to your destinations.”
The funeral convoy, led by a naval team and Ebony Caskets pallbearers, moved to Ikoyi Vaults and Gardens for interment after a full military parade led by Rear Admiral Olugbode, who was Olubolade’s aide-de-camp when he was MILAD.
