With wealth many could only dream of and fame many will crave for, the world is again reminded of the passing away of one of Nigeria’s finest businessman ,diplomat and Permanent Representative of Central African Republic to the United Nations Chief Antonio Oladeinde Fernandez, Ambassador Plenipotentiary. Ambassador Fernandez died on Tuesday, September 1, at exactly, 6:05 pm, in a private hospital in Brussels, Belgium and was aged 86 years.
Chief Antonio Oladeinde Fernandez was a patriotic Nigerian, an optimistic believer in the future of the African continent and that helped to shape his business and diplomatic adventure everywhere he went.
Oluwo Antonio Oladeinde Fernandez, of the popular Fernandez family of Lagos, was an enigma. Born in 1936 to Mr. Canut Akinwale Fernandez and Mrs. Julia Fernandez, he leveraged on his blissful upbringing to become the man he was famed for, starting his financial prowess as a millionaire at the age of 35.
His wealth, even by conventional standards was impressive such that he owned a French castle in France which was once used by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Emperor Of France.
With assets and fortunes spanning several counties across the continent such as Kano, a personalized tower in Lagos, New York Scotland, France, Belgium and the United Kingdom. It was also believed that he had accounts in the Cayman Islands, France, Switzerland, Ireland, Hong Kong, Scotland and the United States.
With a Midas touch and a legendary reputation in international business and diplomacy, it was clear that he was one of Nigeria’s richest men. He was also a family man and sired many notable children including Chief (Mrs) Olateju Phillips, the former Lagos Commissioner for Commerce and Industry
He held various titles during his lifetime. Notable among them are, Bajiri of Lagos, Woye Ileri of Ile-Ife, Garzan Fulani of Kano, Grand Officer of the National Order of the Leopard, Grand Officer of Mono Order, Commander of the National Order of the Merit of Gabon, Officer of the Order of Quissam Alaouite, Grand Officer of the National Order of the Merit of the Central African Republic, and many others.
The first year memorial of Chief Anthonio Oladeinde Fernandez, Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Nigerian billionaire, Antonio Oladeinde Fernandez, has been fixed to hold this week.
His first child, Chief (Mrs) Olateju Phillips, the former Lagos Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, will be hosting a private Mass in his honour, today Thursday, September 1 , 2016, at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Catholic Mission Street, Lagos Island.
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