Jonathan, Diri, Oyebanji, others attend Olubolade’s burial in Lagos

Eminent personalities across Nigeria converged in Lagos over the weekend to bid the former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State and former Police Affairs Minister, Navy Capt Caleb Olubolade (rtd), goodbye.

Present at the Saint John’s Military Protestant Church, Bonny Camp, Victoria Island in Lagos on Saturday for the funeral service were Governors Duoye Diri and Biodun Oyebanji of Bayelsa and Ekiti states, respectively.

Others were former First Lady Patience Jonathan, 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, Prof. Steve Azaiki, and Senator Ben Murray Bruce, among others.

Speaking at the event, Governor Diri said the funeral was a state burial accorded to a worthy son.

He said: “Moments 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 has 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 spilt blood. There was an occasion like that when he was Milad in Bayelsa.

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“As if he was preparing for his exit, he had a lavish 70th birthday in Bayelsa last year, and at 71, he is no more, which means he actually prepared for this journey. We loved him, but God loved him best.”

Diri also renamed the Civil Service Estate in Yenagoa after Olubolade to honour him.

Speaking earlier, Oyebanji said the tributes in honour of Olubolade were enough consolation for the family and loved ones that he lived a life worthy of emulation.

The governor stated: “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.”

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by his wife, Patience, 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 the international commitment, the former president was with them in spirit.

The former First Lady said: “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.”

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”.

The Star