Ige, who made this revelation in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, during the valedictory session in his honour, further revealed his journey to the exalted seat of JCA.
He said, “I thank my parents, most profusely for their prayers for me which greatly helped me on the road of life. I had my early education first at Baptist Day Memorial School, Iwere-Ile and later at St. Bernard Primary School also in Iwere-Ile. I was among four boys sent from Catholic Church, Iwere-Ile to work with Reverend Fathers and Sisters as house boys at St. John Catholic Mission Church and Our lady hospital, Iseyin in January 1968.
“I was attached to the Reverend Sisters who were sent to establish the hospital in Iseyin. Upon their being recalled by the authority of the church to serve in another country, I went to Lagos to meet my uncle of blessed memory. So, between July 1968 to July 1972, I was a house boy, cook and steward to various personalities in Lagos.”
The retired JCA said he later had an opportunity to register as an evening student in Lagos which was later closed down by the then government.
Ige said, “I later joined some friends to seek outlets for weekend coaching classes and private studies. One of the persons I had earlier worked for between 1969 and 1970 came to my aid and got employment for me as a labourer at the Ministry of Works and Planning when the Udoji salary was introduced.
“As a labourer, I was on a salary of N26.00. I continued my private studies. All labourers at the ministry were later laid off. So, in January 1974, I went to my madam, Joy Inyang who got me employment at the High Court of Lagos State as a Court attendant and messenger where I had the opportunity of serving various Judges of the High Court of Lagos as a messenger.”
He said the avenue, therefore, provided wide opportunities for him to continue his private studies, interact with eminent jurists and equally received tremendous encouragement to excel in his studies.
