Baba Joop Takes a Bow – By Dr. Olu Agunloye
Chief Joop Berkhout was an exemplary oyinbo, an Ibadan man, Ife Ooni Chief and _ore omode,_ _ore agba._
My first close contact with him was about 1987 when Prof Wole Soyinka enlisted me to assist with the setting up of the Federal Road Safety Corps. Chief Berkhout eventually became a Special Marshal, a big brother, a friend, an adviser, and a mentor.
Over the last 60 years, Chief Berkhout vigorously and distinctively presented himself as the avid book seller, dedicated book maker, major book crafter, the iconic book publisher, and the ultimate book industry doyen.
Once, we met at a grand International Conference where he was both an organiser and an exhibitor. He was delighted to see me. He said, ‘Olu, let me give you a special book. You will learn a lot from it.” I was happy to receive the book: _”All that men know about women.”_ I didn’t open the book until I got home. I am still reading that special limited edition book to this date.
We shall miss the great man, the legend, and yet a simple man. He was a social and sociable big brother.
I doff my hat for Chief Joop Berkhout and pray that the Almighty God shall grant him eternal rest and comfort his families, friends, and associates.
Dr Olu Agunloye
Former Corps Marshal of FRSC,
Former Minister of the Federal Republic,
Current National Secretary of Social Democratic Party.
12 February 2025
