Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has described as shocking the sudden demise of one of his predecessors, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd).

Olubolade, who was the military administrator of the state from June 27, 1997, to July 9, 1998, died on Sunday, May 11, 2025.

Diri, who spoke during the 163rd state executive council session in the Government House, Yenagoa, said the news of Olubolade’s death was received with profound sadness by the government and the people, considering his indelible contributions to the development of Bayelsa during the state’s formative years.

A minute’s silence was observed by the state cabinet in honour of the late former administrator. The 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 noted that while 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 to God to grant them and his loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.