Edith CHUKU
The Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, has hailed the dedication and sincerity of purpose of the former military administrator of the state, late Navy Captain Omoniyi Olubolade (rtd), noting that he will be missed by not just his family and the people of Ekiti but also by the people of Bayelsa.
Diri revealed how Olubolade avoided a bloody crisis during his time as Bayelsa military administrator, adding that the state would not forget him.
The Bayelsa governor stated this during the funeral service in honour of the late Olubolade, who was also a former Minister of Special Duties and also Police Affairs, at the St. John Military Protestant Church, Bonny Cantonment, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday.
He recalled an incident when youths stormed the government house, Yenagoa, to release some of their colleagues held for an alleged crime.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, on Sunday, quoted the governor as saying that Olubolade was in a position to react brutally as a military administrator but decided against it in order to prevent bloodshed, especially of innocent Bayelsans, a decision he said was propelled by his love for people of the state.
Diri noted that if it was someone else in the saddle at the time, there would have been loss of lives.
He hailed the dedication and sincerity of purpose with which the late Olubolade served Bayelsa, maintaining that he will be missed.
He also observed that the late Olubolade was always dressed in the Ijaw attire, giving credence to his love for Bayelsa.
He said: “Once, I asked him why he did not react violently when youths stormed the Government House to release their leaders detained there. He told me that he reacted differently because even as the military administrator, he did not want innocent blood to be spilled.
“At moments like this, you are lost for words to even comfort the family and so you just believe in God and God alone.
“The man lying in state was a man of honour and impact, who added value to Bayelsa State and Nigeria. He lived a life of service, patriotism, and cultural acceptance.
“Olubolade symbolically held a dual citizenship in Nigeria. Almost every time you saw him, he was dressed in a Bayelsa attire. He prepared for this journey, and he knew that his 70th birthday, which he celebrated lavishly in Yenagoa, was perhaps the end of his life. We love him, all of us from Bayelsa, but God loved him the most.”
In his remarks, the Governor of Ekiti State, Abiodun Oyebanji, expressed appreciation to the Bayelsa State government for according Olubolade a befitting burial.
He said the former military administrator was committed to the development of Bayelsa and left unforgettable marks everywhere he served.
He said: “Navy Captain Olubolade’s genuine care and concern for others was evident to all. He also brought up his children in a godly manner.
“Though he has left us, he will be deeply missed and will never be forgotten. May God comfort the family.
“Let me appreciate the government of Bayelsa State for giving our brother a befitting burial.”
In her remarks, Dame Patience Jonathan, who represented her husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan, eulogised the late naval officer, who she said left an indelible mark everywhere he served.
She said his legacies will endure and urged his family to look up to God for comfort.
The former Nigerian first lady also lauded Diri for supporting the family and giving the departed a befitting burial, expressing confidence that the Bayelsa government will continue to stand by the Olubolade family.
The funeral events were attended by a large delegation from Bayelsa, including the wife of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri, national and state assembly representatives, Senator Konbowei Benson, Mr. Fred Agbedi, Mr. Monday Obolo, who represented Speaker of the State Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe, and other members of the state executive council.
Also in attendance were Olubolade’s successor, Col. Edor Obi (rtd), wife of the first civilian governor of Bayelsa, Mrs. Margaret Alamieyeseigha, the immediate past deputy governor and chairman, Bayelsa Elders Council, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), former House of Reps member, Prof. Steve Azaiki, chairman of the Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo, as well as the Ebenanaowei of Bomo Kingdom, King Joshua Igbugburu, among other leaders from the state.
Olubolade was the third military administrator of Bayelsa from June 27, 1997 – July 9, 1998 after the state was created by the late military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, on October 1, 1996.
