Rear Admiral Ayodeji Olumide Olugbode, Hydrographer of the Federation, has paid an emotional tribute to his former boss, Navy Captain Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade (Rtd), describing his passing as a national loss and remembering him as “an extraordinary senior naval officer and visionary administrator”.
Speaking from the perspective of a former Aide-de-Camp, Rear Admiral Olugbode offered deep personal insights into the character and leadership of Captain Olubolade, who served as Military Administrator of Bayelsa State between 27 June 1997 and 9 July 1998.
“It is with profound grief that I write this condolence message, occasioned by the sudden passing of Navy Captain Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade (Rtd),” he said. “As his former Aide-de-Camp, who worked closely with him, I can attest that his transition represents the loss of an extraordinary senior naval officer and visionary administrator who profoundly influenced national prosperity and the development of human capital not only within the Nigerian Navy, his primary constituency, but across the nation at large.”
Olugbode recalled how Captain Olubolade was tasked with leading Bayelsa in its earliest days, shortly after the state was created in 1996, noting his legacy of institution-building and inclusive governance.
“Captain Olubolade led the newly created state through its formative years, establishing foundational structures that would serve successive administrations long after his tenure,” he said.
“In my role as his Aide-de-Camp, I gained deep insight into his leadership philosophy—centred on hard work, loyalty, integrity, selfless service and humility. He embodied visionary leadership, decisive action, and unwavering commitment to public trust and capacity building.”
Beyond his administrative style, Rear Admiral Olugbode also praised Olubolade’s cultural awareness and his efforts to promote unity among Bayelsa’s diverse communities. He recalled one particularly impactful initiative—the establishment of the Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture on 4 May 1998—which has since grown into a pillar of Ijaw cultural preservation.
“Captain Olubolade’s life was a shining example of vision, integrity, dedication to service, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he added. “It is especially worthy of note that he was committed to preserving Ijaw heritage and fostering unity among its diverse communities.”
Captain Olubolade’s service continued well after his military career, as he took on several ministerial roles during the Goodluck Jonathan administration—including Minister of Special Duties, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, and Minister of Police Affairs.
“These appointments not only reflected confidence in his administrative capabilities and his integrity,” Rear Admiral Olugbode noted, “but also demonstrated that his core principles were relevant and needed in both military and democratic dispensations.”
Closing his tribute, Rear Admiral Olugbode honoured the man he once served under as both a family man and a national figure whose legacy will endure.
“As we mourn the passing of my former boss, a father, grandfather, devoted husband, and national icon, may his soul rest in perfect peace, and may the entire family find comfort in the knowledge that his legacy of service and integrity will continue to inspire and guide us all.”
Funeral arrangements for the late Captain Caleb Olubolade, who died at the age of 71, began with a Night of Praise and Testimonies held on Monday, 21 July 2025, at Asterwood Hall, Knightdale Middle College, Apapa, Lagos.
A Candle Light Service was held on Saturday, 2 August 2025, at Tamandu Barracks, Apapa. The Service of Songs will take place on Friday, 8 August 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at St. John Military Protestant Church, Bonny Cantonment, Victoria Island.
The Burial Service is scheduled for Saturday, 9 August 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the same venue, with interment at Vaults and Gardens, Ikoyi, followed by a reception at the Admiralty Conference Centre, Naval Dockyard Limited, Wilmot Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.
