Eminent Nigerians on Saturday paid their last respects to the late former Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (retd).
They included former President Goodluck Jonathan; Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji; his Bayelsa State counterpart, Douye Diri; and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
The Ipoti Ekiti, Ekiti State-born Olubolade, a former military administrator of Bayelsa State, who died at the age of 71, was buried in Lagos on Saturday.
The final funeral service held for the deceased at St John’s Military Church, Bonny Cantonment, Victoria Island, Lagos, was also attended by the first civilian Governor of Ekiti State, Adeniyi Adebayo, and former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, among others.
Ekiti State Governor, Oyebanji, described the late Olubolade as “a gallant officer whose life of patriotism and selfless service to the development and growth of the country cannot be forgotten.”
Oyebanji described the late Olubolade as one of the most illustrious sons of Ekiti and a very decent politician, noting that the departure of the former Police Affairs Minister would be greatly felt.
He eulogised the late military officer’s meritorious service to the Nigerian Armed Forces, his excellent public service record, and his service to his community, the state, and to humanity.
The governor, on behalf of the government and people of Ekiti State, condoled with the family and prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
He said, “As I sat there going through the tributes, especially by the children. They are short but very deep tributes, and at a moment like this, there are so many questions we cannot answer. The only thing I commend to you is that you allow God to carry you, and He will see you through.”
Former President Jonathan, who was represented by his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, described Olubolade as a gallant naval officer who served the country with utmost loyalty.
Jonathan said that the retired military administrator left unforgettable marks in Bayelsa State during his service in the state as well as in other positions he held.
