James Ajibola Idowu Ige was born in Zaria, near 

Kaduna in northern Nigeria on September 13, 1930.

His parents were Yoruba natives of Esa-Oke village, in the old Oyo State (now in Osun State). Bola
Ige left Kaduna and headed south to the Western region at the age of 14. He studied
at Ibadan Grammar School (1943-48), and then at the University of Ibadan. From there, he went to
the University College London where he graduated with a Law degree in 1959. He was called to the
bar in London's Inner Temple in 1961.[2]

Bola Ige established Bola Ige & Co in 1961, and later became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.[3] He
became well known in the country for his oratory prowess, as well as his advocacy work on civil rights
and democracy. Uncommonly, Bola Ige spoke all the three major Nigerian
languages, Yoruba, Iboand Hausa fluently.[4] He wrote several books, and an anthology of articles and
tributes about him was published shortly after his death.