Chief Fernandez was born in Lagos, August 12, 1929, Nigeria to the Fernandez family that originated from Cuba.
Fernandez was one of Nigeria’s most reclusive and mysterious Billionaires. The intensely private Nigerian diplomat formerly served as the Central African Republic’s ambassador to the United Nations. Between 1982 and 1984 he served as advisor to the Angolan government on economic matters. He was subsequently appointed as deputy permanent representative of Mozambique in the United Nations in 1984. Between 1992 and 1995 he served as a special adviser to the president of Mozambique on International Economic Matters.
Fernandez ran an oil company called Petro Inett which obtained a 50% share with South African-based Energy Africa Limited in a deal with the state oil company for exploration rights in a 4,700 km2 area of Angola’s coast in 1996.
In keeping with the way he lived his life, the burial ceremony at Eglise Notre Dame du Sablon in Brussels was a solemn affair and was followed by burial at the Cimetiere d’Ixelles, Chaussee de Boendael, 478. In Attendance at the burial rites were his children: Teju, Gbemi, Anthony, Akin, Titi, Koye, Oyinkan (Daughter of Erelu Abiola Dosumu), Atinuke, Abimbola, widow Baroness Halima and members of the extended family, close friends and dignitaries from around the world.
Despite his alleged wishes to be buried back in his motherland, it seems the much traveled chief never made it back home. To honour his life and achievments the family is planning to host a grand Thanksgiving Service and reception party in Lagos, later this year.
Ambassador Chief Antonio Deinde Fernandez, The Ajinijini Ogun, The Garsan Fulani, The Baron of Dudley was a man that touched many lives. He died on the 2nd of September 2015 and was Laid to rest in Brussels Belgium on Friday September 18th 2015. He was 86 years old and is survived by 9 children.
Author: Chief Editor
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