Olubolade’s ‘last journey’: Jonathan, Diri, Oyebanji, Bode George, Olugbode, military chiefs, others bid ex-Bayelsa MILAD bye

Eminent Nigerians, at the weekend, witnessed the ‘final journey’ of former Military Administrator (MILAD) of Bayelsa State, Navy Captain Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade (rtd).

Olubolade, who was also minister in three ministries – Special Duties, FCT and Police Affairs – died on May 11.
The Ipoti-Ekiti, Ekiti State-born naval officer, politician and opinion leader, celebrated his 70th birthday last November in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
The Service of Songs and Burial Service, which symbolised his spiritual transition to the afterlife, were witnessed by thousands of people on August 8 and 9.
The two events held at St. John Military Prot. Church, Bonny Cantonment, Victoria Island, Lagos. His remains were interred at Ikoyi Gardens and Vault and reception for guests was held at Admiralty Conference Centre, Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island.
Vicar of the church, Lt. (Rev Canon) E.A. Dodo, led other clerics to officiate at the Service of Songs, Funeral Service and Burial.

Present at the Church on Saturday for the funeral service were Governors Duoye Diri and Biodun Oyebanji of Bayelsa and Ekiti states, respectively.

Others were 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, traditional rulers, Prof. Steve Azaiki, Senator Ben Murray Bruce, media chiefs and many others.

Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode, who was Olubolade’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC) when he was MILAD from 1997 to 1998, was in charge of the State/Military Burial for his former boss.

Navy Captain Segun Noibi (rtd), who also worked with Olubolade, coordinated activities in the church, vault and reception.
Lt Rev Dodo, during the sermon, raised a poser: “What would you be remembered for?”
According to him, “Wherever you find yourself, ensure you’re living a life of victory. I want to ask once again what you would 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 when he was military administrator there. I ask once again, “What would you be remembered for?”
” I pray for you that God’ll guide you to live a victorious life”, he said.
To Governor Diri, it’s a worthy celebration of life for a worthy son.
He said the funeral was a state burial accorded to a worthy son
“At a moment 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’s 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 a 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 like that when he was MILAD in Bayelsa but he protected Bayelsans.
“As if he was preparing for his exit, he had a lavish 70th birthday in Bayelsa last year, and this year, he is no more, which means he actually 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”.
Diri also renamed the Civil Service Estate in Yenagoa after Olubolade to honour him.
Speaking earlier, the Governor of Ekiti State, Oyebanji, said the tributes in the programme in honour of Olubolade were enough consolation for the family and loved ones that he lived a life worthy of emulation.

“To Mrs Olubolade and children, God will be with you and carry you. God 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, Patience Jonathan, said only God could console the family, adding that it’s not easy to lose a loved one.
She said that though her husband was unavoidably absent because of an international commitment, he was with them in spirit.
“We’re here to condole you. Even if my husband is 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 the governor, Duoye 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 also. Thank you for coming.
“We’re gathered here to pay the last respect to Navy Capt Caleb Olubolade. 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 that turned up for his funeral is an indication of the value he added to several lives.

“To the family, the Lord will comfort you. Death is inevitable. So, it means we’re all going to die. And we should be mindful of our actions and inactions. Our beloved brother left when the ovation was loudest.
“Though he (Olubolade) has left us, he will be deeply missed but not forgotten”. Referring to the widow, Mrs. Mopelola Olubolade, she said: “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 people and tributes to the late Olubolade “are enough comfort for the family.
“We thank you for honouring us and wish you a safe journey back to your destinations,” he added.

Thereafter, a long convoy, led by Naval officers in ceremonial uniforms, and Ebony caskets pall bearers after brief military honour at the entrance of the church, headed to Ikoyi Vaults where the remains of Olubolade were interred after full military parade coordinated by Rear Admiral Olugbode.