Nation Honours Ex-Bayelsa MILAD Caleb Olubolade

Nigeria’s political leaders, military chiefs, and dignitaries gathered in Lagos to bid farewell to Navy Capt Caleb Olubolade (rtd.), former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State and ex-Police Affairs Minister, at a state burial marked by moving tributes and full military honours.

State Burial Draws High-Profile Attendance

Governors Douye Diri of Bayelsa and Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti led the mourners. Former First Lady Patience Jonathan, representing her husband, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, also attended. Military officers, politicians, and community leaders filled Saint John’s Military Protestant Church at Bonny Camp.

“He was a man of honour who lived with humility and discipline,” Governor Diri said. “He served both Ekiti and Bayelsa with loyalty and courage.”

Legacy of Service Remembered

Vicar Lt Rev E.A. Dodo urged mourners to reflect on their own legacies. “What will you be remembered for?” he asked. He recalled Olubolade’s role in building Bayelsa’s only sports centre during his tenure as MILAD in the late 1990s.

Governor Oyebanji praised the late officer’s example. “The tributes alone are enough to comfort the family. He lived a life worthy of emulation.”

Tributes From Former First Lady

Patience Jonathan described Olubolade as a dedicated public servant who led three federal ministries. “The turnout today shows the value he brought to people’s lives,” she said. “We, the Bayelsans, will stand by his family.”

Final Salute

After the service, a naval convoy and pallbearers escorted the casket to Ikoyi Vaults. Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode, who once served as Olubolade’s aide-de-camp, led the full military parade before the burial.

Washington Akinadewo, Olubolade’s grandson, thanked mourners. “Your presence and kind words are a great comfort to us.”