Nigerian multi-billionaire and diplomat, Chief Antonio Oladeinde Fernandez passed on in Brussels, Belgium on Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at the age of 79. The cause of his death was attributed to an age-related illness.
Since the announcement of his demise, tributes have been pouring in from all walks of life. In honour of the late diplomat, The Trent presents you with 10 facts you never knew about the late Fernandez
- Late Chief Fernandez was born in Lagos, Nigeria
- The Fernandez family has Cuban heritage.
- He divorced his wife, Aduke Fernandez in July 2003. The divorce suit which was filed in Scotland contained a 50% asset claim by his wife placed at £300 million.
- In 2003, the late Lagos chief married a new wife, Halima.
- His ex-wife, Aduke passed on ten years later.
- Late Chief Fernandez was reputed to be one of Africa’s richest men.
- Fernandez was appointed special adviser to the president of Mozambique on International Economic Matters in 1992. A position he held for three years.
- In 1982, Chief Fernandez was appointed an advisor to the Angolan Government on Economic matters. He held the position for two years.
- In 1984, Chief Fernandez was appointed deputy permanent representative of Mozambique to the United Nations.
- Chief Fernandez owned an oil company, Petro Inett which later went on to acquire a 50% share with South African-based company, Energy Africa Limited.
