Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has described as shocking the sudden demise of one of his predecessors, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd).
Olubolade, who was military administrator of the state from June 27, 1997 to July 9, 1998, died on Sunday, May 11, 2025.
Governor Diri, who spoke during 163rd state executive council session in Government House, Yenagoa, said the news of his death was received with profound sadness by the government and the people considering Olubolade’s indelible contributions to the development of Bayelsa during the state’s formative years.
A minute silence was observed by the state cabinet in honour of the late former administrator.
The Bayelsa governor described Olubolade as selfless, an astute administrator and a man of exceptional humility.
He particularly expressed sadness that late last year, the state celebrated Olubolade’s 70th birthday in Yenagoa and that he was full of life at the event.
Diri said out of office, the former military administrator identified with the state through the years and was one of the key supporters of his administration.
He extended the condolences of the government and people of the state to the Olubolade family and prayed God to grant them and his loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.