Previous Federal Gov't Never Allow My Father To Serve The Country —Fernandez’ Daughter

Daughter of the late billionaire, Chief Antonio Oladeinde Fernandez, Mrs. Teju Phillips, said on Thursday that previous Nigerian governments did not allow her father to serve the country in any capacity.

According to Phillips, who is a former Lagos State Commissioner, the deceased represented many African countries due to his love for service but he was not given such an opportunity in his country till his death.

“He knew how to manage people and endeared himself to them. For this, he was well appreciated. His involvement with the United Nations made him to appreciate people especially Africans. He represented so many countries in the world, he believed in Africa and in a united Africa.

 “Unfortunately, previous Nigerian governments never gave him the opportunity to serve the country. His sermon always was that Africa should remain one,” she said. On the rumour that her late father was a recluse, Phillips disagreed, saying he was a man of the people, who loved justice, equity and had an undying love for humanity.

She said, “He was not a recluse but he cherished his privacy. He would always say you should remain who you are and he was unapologetically proud about being black.”