Society Gist
By Gite Igiehon
Nigeria is in mourning following the sudden death of retired Navy Commodore and former Minister of Police Affairs, Caleb Olubolade, who reportedly collapsed and died while playing lawn tennis on Sunday in his hometown in Ekiti State.
According to family sources and close associates, the 68-year-old politician and military officer was enjoying a regular game of tennis when he suddenly slumped mid-play. All efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to a nearby hospital.
The news of his passing has sent shockwaves across political, military, and civil circles, with tributes pouring in from leaders, former colleagues, and citizens who remembered him as a dedicated public servant and disciplined military officer.
A Life of Service
Born on November 30, 1956, Caleb Olubolade hailed from Ipoti-Ekiti, Ekiti State. A graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy, he rose to the rank of Navy Commodore before retiring from active service. His transition into politics saw him appointed as the Minister of Police Affairs during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, where he served with distinction.
Known for his firm leadership and commitment to public safety, Olubolade was also a former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State between 1997 and 1998 under General Sani Abacha’s regime. In 2014, he contested in the Ekiti State governorship race under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Though he later took a step back from frontline politics, Olubolade remained active in community development initiatives and public discourse, often advocating for youth mentorship, military professionalism, and peace in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria.
Tributes from Across the Nation
Following confirmation of his death, prominent Nigerians have expressed grief and paid homage to the late officer’s legacy. Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji described the incident as a “painful loss to the state and the nation.”
“Commodore Olubolade was not only a patriot who served Nigeria with honor but also a pillar in his community,” the governor said. “His sudden death leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.”
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, under whose administration Olubolade served, also released a statement expressing shock at the news. He praised Olubolade for his “unwavering loyalty, calm demeanor, and deep commitment to the ideals of nation-building.”
“His contributions to the military and civil administration will be remembered for generations,” Jonathan said.
Many others took to social media to share their condolences, with hashtags like #RIPOlubolade and #NigerianHero trending within hours of the announcement.
Community in Mourning
In Ipoti-Ekiti, the atmosphere remained somber as news spread through the town. Residents gathered outside his residence to offer condolences to the family, while religious and traditional leaders held special prayers in his honor.
“He was a father figure to many of us,” said one resident. “This is a big loss not just to Ipoti, but to the entire Ekiti State.”
His family is yet to announce official funeral arrangements, but sources close to them revealed that burial plans would be made public in the coming days after consultations with the state government and other stakeholders.
A Final Salute
Commodore Caleb Olubolade’s sudden death while playing tennis—a sport he reportedly enjoyed as part of his daily exercise routine—has raised awareness about health and wellness among retired military and political figures. Friends say he appeared healthy and full of life just days before his passing.
Though gone too soon, Olubolade’s legacy lives on in the institutions he helped strengthen, the lives he impacted, and the country he served with honor.
May his soul rest in peace.
