Oyo PDP chieftain, Hon. Dare Adeleke, has joined thousands of Nigerians in paying tribute to veteran statesman and retired naval officer, Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George, as he marked his 80th birthday, an occasion that has drawn widespread praise from associates, mentees, and admirers across the country.
In a heartfelt reflection on the life and legacy of the Lagos-born politician, Adeleke described Chief George as “one of the few remaining titans in Nigeria’s political and military history.”
Adeleke, himself a mentee of the elder statesman and a prominent PDP figure, highlighted the discipline and sense of duty that shaped Chief George’s early life on Lagos Island. “Born in 1945, Chief Bode George’s formative years were built on discipline and service – values that would define both his naval and political journeys,” he wrote.
A trained sailor and strategist, George rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Navy, where, according to Adeleke, he discovered his “true rhythm” – a blend of courage, order, and unwavering duty.
In his tribute, first published by the Nigerian Tribune, Adeleke outlined some of Chief George’s most notable achievements:
“He served as the 9th Military Governor of Ondo State from July 1988 to September 1990, a tenure still remembered for its impact. He later served as Principal Staff Officer to the Chief of General Staff, Gen. Oladipo Diya, and subsequently became Director of the National War College from 1993 to 1997. He retired from the Navy as a Commodore.”
George’s transition from military service to politics, Adeleke noted, positioned him at the heart of national party leadership. He served as the PDP’s National Vice-Chairman (South-West) before rising to become the National Deputy Chairman. Supporters credit him with delivering one of the party’s strongest performances in the South-West, securing five out of six states during his tenure.
Though his public life has not been without controversy, Adeleke emphasized that Chief George’s resilience remains one of his defining traits. Referring to the highly publicized trial and conviction that were later overturned by the Supreme Court, Adeleke said the ordeal was “a test of willpower and courage, a witch-hunt he overcame with dignity.”
He also highlighted the personal side of the elder statesman: “Beyond public service, Chief George is a devoted family man. He is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Roli Bode George, former Director-General of the NDLEA, who is widely regarded as the matriarch of the family.”
As Chief Bode George marks his 80th year, Adeleke praised him as “a man of courage, conviction, and compassion,” adding that his endurance through challenges has made him an emblem of Lagos resilience and the Nigerian spirit.
He expressed gratitude to God on Chief George’s behalf and prayed that the celebrations continue for many more years, including his 90th and 100th birthdays.
“As he enters his ninth decade,” Adeleke concluded, “Chief Bode George’s life – defined by service, trials, and renewal – remains a testament to perseverance and patriotism. May God grant him many more decades of good health, prosperity, and soundness of mind.”
