Navy Captain (Rtd.) Omoniyi Caleb Olubolade, former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State and ex-Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, passed away at the age of 70 on Sunday, May 11, 2025, in Apapa, Lagos. According to a statement by his children, Oluwayemisi Akinadewo and Dayo Olubolade, he collapsed while playing lawn tennis and was pronounced dead at Obisesan Naval Medical Hospital .
Biography
Full Name: Omoniyi Caleb Olubolade
Date of Birth: November 30, 1954
Place of Birth: Ipoti-Ekiti, Ijero Local Government Area, Ekiti State, Nigeria
Military Career: Commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 1974
Education: Attended Britannia Royal Naval College, UK (1975), and Naval College of Engineering, India (1979)
Political Affiliation: Initially with the Action Congress (AC), later joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
Career Highlights
Military Administrator of Bayelsa State (1997–1998): Appointed by General Sani Abacha, he played a foundational role in establishing administrative structures in the newly created state .
Ministerial Roles: Served as Minister of Special Duties, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Minister of Police Affairs under President Goodluck Jonathan .
Political Aspirations: Contested for the governorship of Ekiti State in 2007 and 2014 under the PDP .
Legacy
Captain Olubolade is remembered for his dedication to public service, both in military and civilian capacities. His efforts in laying the groundwork for Bayelsa State’s administration and his various ministerial roles highlight his commitment to Nigeria’s development.
Details regarding his burial arrangements will be announced by his family in due course.
About Author
