Sir (Arc) Muyiwa Ige, a former Osun State Commissioner for Lands and son of iconic statesman, Chief Bola Ige has joined others to express grief over the demise of Chief Joop Berkhout, a renowned publisher and Dutch national who lived in Nigeria for over 60 years.
Chief Berkhout, a naturalised Nigerian, made Ibadan, Oyo State, his home and dedicated his life to advancing Nigeria’s publishing industry died aged 94.
Sir Ige, in a special tribute made available to PMParrot titled ‘Tribute To The Quintessential Omowale, Oloye Joop Berkhout (OON) Okunborede Of The Source’, said the deceased was “a truly good man and loyal friend. He was kind and also sociable”.
Read the full text of the Tribute here:
“I got the shocking news of Chief’s passing this morning. This tribute is in honour of a truly great man. A very interesting and adventurous personality who, in his youthful years, sought to explore out of his European comfort zone, to Africa, and found a welcoming abode in Ibadan, Nigeria, in 1966.
“Ibadan presented itself as the epicenter for publishing, especially educational publishing, and Chief was well placed to drive Evans Publishers at the time. Based on his publishing experience, he could best be described as the doyen of publishing. Thereafter, he proceeded to establish Spectrum Books, with some dynamic and talented young men (inclusive of Gbenro Adegbola and Bankole Olayebi).
“From Evans to Spectrum Books, later Chief attempted to retire by selling Spectrum books. However, his love for publishing never waned, and he continued to publish Biographies and Autobiographies under the Safari Books title. Hence, the undiluted passion for publishing.
“Chief had a unique relationship with my late Dad, Chief Bola Ige, and by extension my sister and her husband, his mentee. Born in the same year 1930, he was barely six months older than my father. I recall his trip with my father to witness the Nobel prize award given to Uncle Wole Soyinka (my godfather), as Nobel Laureate in Literature, in 1986.
“I can also proudly profess that I was his Nigerian Architect, even though his son, Ernest, is also an Architect. Chief would always called me for advice on development issues, as it relates to his property. I appreciate the trust he reposed in me in giving good advice on Architecture and Development issues. He would also always nudge that I should write about my experience in public service as a Commissioner in Osun State, between 2011-2014, and my activities beyond. I have taken that encouragement seriously and will hopefully unveil something soon.
“Chief was a truly good man and loyal friend. He was kind, sociable, and he definitely hosted lovely cocktail parties. He can truly be called a “Dutch Ambassador at Large.”
“Another unique attribute that Chief had was that he was always there for you, and knowing him was liking him. He also had a great sense of humour.
“He would travel the length and breadth of the country to honour invitations. I recall Baba Dr. Amiel Fagbulu’s funeral. Even though Chief was not feeling well, he endeavoured to attend the funeral in Ilesa. He would also always regale you with stories of his road travels across the country and his true love for the way Nigeria was then, not now.
“Demonstrating creativity in publishing, he was the unique author of this interesting and controversial book “What Men Know About Women.” The controversy of this book stems from the fact that it was a wholly blank book. This is a true testament to the dynamism and creativity of the man, Joop Berkhout.
“Adieu, Chief Joop Berkhout. Requiescat in pace.
- Sir (Arc) Muyiwa Ige,fnia, KSC, 11th February, 2025
