Nigeria's reclusive billionaire

Chief Antonio Oladeinde Fernandez

By DAVID K. SODEINDE - CC

He is 76 years old. He is a billionaire with 6 Private Jets. He also owns a Chateau in France, once occupied by Napoleon Bonaparte, former Emperor of France.

Welcome to the world of one of Africa’s richest men: HIS EXCELLENCY, CHIEF ANTONIO OLADEINDE FERNANDEZ, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative.

When it comes to the most impressive and exuberant display of the splendor of wealth, Fernandez's style is second to none. The name ‘Fernandez’ is Portuguese in origin and delineates the popular Fernandez family of Lagos. 

Historical accounts show that the Fernandez family were originally descendants of freed Africans that had been enslaved in Brazil, where Portuguese is the official language. Some of the first modern-styled buildings in Lagos were built by the Fernandez's and these buildings are known for their spectacular Brazilian architecture. 

Portuguese navigators were also the first European explorers to reach Lagos State. Actually, they gave the state the name 'Lagos'.

Recently, Ovation Magazine did a 40-page spread on the reclusive billionaire. 

Outside view of his Yacht 'YEMOJA'

Even though he is a Nigerian, he has held the following positions across Africa:

-Permanent Representative of Central African Republic at the United Nations   

-Special Adviser to the President of Mozambique on International Economic Matters   

-Ambassador-at-Large for the Republic of Togo and Angola.

-Consul for the Republic of Benin  

-Special Adviser to the Angolan President Eduardo dos Santos (still holds this position)

-Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Mozambique to the UN

-Deputy Minister of Finance in the Kingdom of Swaziland

Chief Fernandez is well educated, with degrees from Cambridge and Columbia and 

has extensive connections with renowned global political and business leaders, including

Nelson Mandela and George Walker Bush.

His career has however not being without controversy as his long track record of 
"unconventional" business deals have made him powerful enemies, particularly in Nigeria.

His personal fortune is from bauxite, oil and diamond exports but his net worth (said to be
anywhere from $10 to $50 billion remains shrouded in mystery.

The Yoruba High Chief prefers it that way.....