Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has mourned the death of Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (retired), a former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State, saying that Ekiti has lost one of its finest sons.
Captain Olubolade, who was also a former Minister of Police Affairs and once contested to be governor of Ekiti State, passed away on Sunday at the age of 70.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji said: “Ekiti has lost a great son who made indelible impact in his military career, public service and in politics.”
He said Olubolade’s death was not only a big loss to Ekiti State but also to Nigeria. He noted that the late naval officer served the country with distinction, both in the military and in politics.
The governor praised Olubolade for his legacy in Bayelsa State, where he helped to build a strong foundation for development when he served as Military Administrator. He also recalled that Olubolade served as a Minister in three different ministries at the federal level.
According to Governor Oyebanji, Olubolade stood out during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, serving as Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Minister of Special Duties, and later as Minister of Police Affairs.
He added that Olubolade’s move into politics after his military retirement was driven by a deep desire to serve and improve Ekiti State. The late officer had run for governor under different political parties, including the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Action Congress (AC), and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The governor described him as a man who practiced politics peacefully, and who truly believed in the development of Ekiti. He said Olubolade worked closely with other patriots to move the state forward.
Governor Oyebanji prayed for strength for the deceased’s family, friends, the people of his hometown, Ipoti Ekiti, and the entire state to cope with the great loss.
He said: “On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I express condolences to the children, members of the immediate and extended families of the late Navy Captain Olubolade on the demise of this illustrious Ekiti leader and pray that God grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss and grant the departed eternal rest.”
Captain Olubolade’s first daughter, Oluwayemisi Akinadewo, is married to Gabriel Akinadewo, the Publisher of Freedom Online and a member of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
