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.
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.
She said this during an exclusive interview with Punch.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
cherished his privacy. He would always say you should remain who you are
and he was unapologetically proud about being black.”
