“He lived a life Worthy of emulation” – Leaders eulogise late ex-MILAD Olubolade

Eminent personalities from across Nigeria converged in Lagos on Friday and Saturday to bid farewell to the former Military Administrator (MILAD) of Bayelsa State and former Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (Rtd.).

The funeral service, held on Saturday at Saint John’s Military Protestant Church, Bonny Camp, Victoria Island, was attended by Governors Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State.

Others in attendance included former First Lady, Dr. Patience Goodluck Jonathan; Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George; former Governor Niyi Adebayo of Ekiti State; Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode (who represented the Chief of Naval Staff); serving and retired military officers; Prof. Steve Azaiki; Senator Ben Murray-Bruce; and many others.

During the sermon, the Vicar, Lt. Rev. E.A. Dodo, posed a reflective question: “What would you be remembered for?”

He said, “Wherever you find yourself, ensure you’re living a life of victory. I want to ask once again: what would you be remembered for? 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 (Rtd.) when he was military administrator there. I ask again: what would you be remembered for?”

“I pray for you, that God will guide you to live a victorious life,” he added.

Governor Diri described the funeral as a worthy celebration of life for a worthy son. He said the burial was a state event, befitting of a man of honour.

“In moments 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 alone is enough to comfort you. He lived a life of cultural identification and discipline.”

“Apart from Ekiti State, where he hailed from, he’s also the son of Bayelsa. He carried 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 during his tenure as MILAD in Bayelsa that showed this clearly.”

“As if he was preparing for his exit, he had a lavish 70th birthday celebration in Bayelsa last year. Now, at 71, he is no more. It shows he was truly prepared for this journey. We loved him, but God loved him best.”

“Adieu, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade. Continue to rest in the bosom of your Lord.”

Governor Diri also announced the renaming of the Civil Service Estate in Yenagoa after Olubolade in his honour.

Speaking earlier, Governor Oyebanji of Ekiti State said the tributes shared in honour of Olubolade were enough consolation for the family and evidence that he lived a life worthy of emulation.

“To Mrs. Olubolade and the children, God will be with you and carry you. He 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 added.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by his wife, Dr. Patience Jonathan, said only God could console the family, noting that it is never easy to lose a loved one.

She said although her husband was unavoidably absent due to international commitments, he was with them in spirit.

“We’re here to condole with you. Even if he’s not here physically, he’s here spiritually. Mrs. Margaret Alamieyeseigha, I greet you. Bayelsa is fully here! They’re the host. I can’t thank Governor Douye 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 angels (referring to the choristers) are not left out, and the media too—thank you for coming.”

“We’re gathered here to pay our last respects to Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (Rtd.). As a military administrator of a young state, he left a lasting legacy. He also distinguished himself as Minister of three ministries—Police Affairs, FCT, and Special Duties—under my husband.”

“The number of people who turned up for his funeral is an indication of the value he added to so many lives.”

“To the family, the Lord will comfort you. Death is inevitable. It means we’re all going to die, so we should be mindful of our actions and inactions. Our beloved brother left when the ovation was loudest.”

“Though he has left us, he will be deeply missed but not forgotten.” Referring to the widow, Mrs. Mopelola Olubolade, she added, “We, the Bayelsans, will stand by you.”

One of the grandsons of Olubolade, Washington Akinadewo, who gave the vote of thanks, said the presence of dignitaries and tributes to the late Olubolade were “enough comfort for the family.”

“We thank you for honouring us and wish you a safe journey back to your destinations,” he said.

Thereafter, a convoy led by a Naval team and Ebony Caskets pallbearers, following brief military honours at the church entrance, proceeded to the Ikoyi Vaults, where Olubolade’s remains were interred after a full military parade led by Rear Admiral Olugbode.

Rear Admiral Olugbode was Olubolade’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC) during his tenure as MILAD of Bayelsa State from 1997 to 1998.