Ekiti-born Navy Captain Omoniyi Caleb Olubolade: A Bayelsan by Love, Says Gov. Diri

The late Navy Captain Omoniyi Caleb Olubolade, a distinguished former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State and former Minister of Police Affairs, who passed away in May 2025, has been honored by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State as a true indigene of the state—a recognition of his profound love and dedicated service to Bayelsa.

Born on November 30, 1954, in Ipoti-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Olubolade was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 1974. His naval career included advanced training at the Britannia Royal Naval College, UK, and the Naval College of Engineering in India. He rose to the rank of Navy Captain before retiring in 1999 at the dawn of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

Olubolade was appointed the third Military Administrator of the newly created Bayelsa State, serving from June 27, 1997, to July 9, 1998, shortly after the state’s creation in October 1996 under the military regime of General Sani Abacha. During his tenure, he was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the state’s administration and development, including establishing the Bayelsa State Council for Arts & Culture and initiating key infrastructure projects such as the Samson Siasia Sports Complex at Ovom, the motor park at Ekeki, and civil servants’ quarters also at Ovom.

Governor Diri, speaking at a service of songs in Olubolade’s honor held at St. John Military Protestant Church in Lagos on August 9, 2025, described Olubolade as a leader who transcended ethnic boundaries through his love for Bayelsa and its people. “Some say Olubolade is from Ekiti State but today I say he is from Bayelsa. He is from both Ekiti and Bayelsa,” said the governor. He praised Olubolade’s dedication, noting that he did not just serve the state, he owned it as his home, which was evident in his impactful projects and enduring presence in Bayelsa. The governor announced that the civil servants quarters built during Olubolade’s administration would now be named the Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade Civil Servants Quarters, immortalizing his legacy in the state.

Olubolade’s death, which occurred on May 11, 2025, in Lagos after he collapsed playing lawn tennis, was mourned as a significant loss nationally and especially in Bayelsa and Ekiti States. The funeral was attended by notable dignitaries including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and other prominent leaders. They celebrated Olubolade’s patriotism, selfless service, and contributions to Nigeria’s security and governance. His roles extended beyond Bayelsa as he also served as Minister of Special Duties, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, and Minister of Police Affairs under democratic administrations.

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Olubolade was remembered for his charismatic leadership, passion for humanity, and the significant roles he played in both the military and civil governance spheres. His legacy is upheld as a bridge between states and an example of service that transcends origin, uniting people through dedication and love for the nation.

This comprehensive tribute confirms that Navy Captain Olubolade, though born in Ekiti, embraced Bayelsa State as his home and left a lasting imprint on its development and the hearts of its people.