Bola Ige facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bola Ige
SAN
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| Minister of Justice | |
| In office 3 January 2000 – 23 December 2001 |
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| President | Olusegun Obasanjo |
| Preceded by | Kanu Godwin Agabi |
| Succeeded by | Kanu Godwin Agabi |
| Minister of Power and Steel | |
| In office 29 May 1999 – 3 January 2000 |
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| President | Olusegun Obasanjo |
| Preceded by | Bello Sulaiman |
| Succeeded by | Liyola Imoke |
| Governor of Oyo State | |
| In office 1 October 1979 – 1 October 1983 |
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| Deputy | Sunday Afolabi |
| Preceded by | Paul C. Tarfa |
| Succeeded by | Victor Olunloyo |
| Federal Commissioner for Agriculture | |
| In office 3 January 1967 – 23 December 1970 |
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| Head of State | Yakubu Gowon |
| Preceded by | ministry established |
| Succeeded by | Unknown |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Ajibola Idowu Adegoke Ige
13 September 1930 Esa Oke, Southern Region, British Nigeria (now in Osun State, Nigeria) |
| Died | 23 December 2001 (aged 71) Ibadan, Nigeria |
| Political party |
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| Spouse | Atinuke Ige |
| Alma mater |
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Chief James Ajibola Idowu Ige (born September 13, 1930 – died December 23, 2001), known as Bola Ige, was a famous Nigerian lawyer and politician. He served as the Federal Minister of Justice for Nigeria from January 2000 until his death in December 2001. Before that, he was the governor of Oyo State from 1979 to 1983.
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Who Was Bola Ige?
Bola Ige was born in Esa Oke, Osun State, Nigeria, on September 13, 1930. His parents were from the Yoruba ethnic group. He was known for being a great speaker and for fighting for people's rights and democracy.
His Education Journey
Bola Ige went to Ibadan Grammar School from 1943 to 1948. He then studied at the University of Ibadan. Later, he went to the University College London and earned a law degree in 1959. In 1961, he became a lawyer in London.
A Skilled Lawyer and Speaker
After his studies, Bola Ige started his own law firm in 1961. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, which is a very high title for a lawyer. He was famous for his powerful speeches and his work to protect civil rights. Bola Ige was also special because he could speak all three main Nigerian languages fluently: Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa. He also wrote several books.
Bola Ige's Political Life
Bola Ige was involved in politics for many years, serving in important roles.
Early Roles in Government
In the 1960s, he was a Commissioner for Agriculture in the Western Region of Nigeria. This was under the military government led by General Yakubu Gowon. During this time, he became friends with Olusegun Obasanjo, who would later become Nigeria's president.
In the 1970s, he worked with the World Council of Churches to fight against racism.
Governor of Oyo State
In 1979, when Nigeria returned to civilian rule, Bola Ige was elected as the governor of Oyo State. He served from October 1979 to October 1983. His deputy governor was Adebisi Akande, who later became governor of Osun State.
After a military takeover in 1983, Bola Ige was held for a while. He was released in 1985 and went back to his law practice and writing. He also helped start a group called Afenifere, which focused on the interests of the Yoruba people.
Serving in the Fourth Republic
When democracy returned to Nigeria in 1999, Bola Ige tried to become president but was not chosen by his party. However, President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him as the Minister of Mines and Power from 1999 to 2000.
Later, he became the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Nigeria from 2000 to 2001. In this role, he worked to update Nigeria's laws and make them available online. He also spoke out against certain religious laws being put in place in some northern states.
His Passing
Bola Ige was about to start a new job with the United Nations International Law Commission when he passed away.
On December 23, 2001, Bola Ige was shot at his home in Ibadan. This happened during a time of political disagreements within his party in Osun State. Many people were arrested and tried for his death, but they were all found not guilty. His passing was a sad event for Nigeria. He was buried in his hometown of Esa-Oke, Osun State.
Books by Bola Ige
- Golden Quotes: a selection of my favourite inspirational quotations.
- Detainee's Diary.
- Constitutions and the problem of Nigeria.
See also
- List of unsolved murders
