Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described the sudden demise of his predecessor, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade, as shocking. Olubolade, who served as military administrator of the state from June 27, 1997, to July 9, 1998, died on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the age of 70.

In a statement signed by Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Governor Diri expressed profound sadness over Olubolade’s death, citing his indelible contributions to the development of Bayelsa during the state’s formative years. Daniel Alabrah said Governor Diri described Olubolade as selfless, an astute administrator, and a man of exceptional humility. Diri said, “His passing is a painful loss not just to Bayelsa, but to Nigeria. Captain Olubolade was a man of integrity, humility and vision.”

The governor recalled that the state celebrated Olubolade’s 70th birthday in Yenagoa last year, and he was full of life at the event. Diri said Olubolade identified with the state through the years and was one of the key supporters of his administration. “He never distanced himself from the state. He was always a phone call away and gave us his full support,” Diri added.

The state cabinet observed a minute’s silence in honour of the late former administrator. Daniel Alabrah said Diri 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.