Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, is reportedly ill and recuperating at his Abuja residence.
According to The Punch, the minister’s ailment, though described as “somewhat serious,” is being managed by Nigerian doctors under close medical supervision.
Presidential sources, however, dismissed claims that Edun suffered a stroke or that there were plans to replace him.
A senior government official, who spoke anonymously, said, “Yes, he’s indisposed. He’s sick, which is a bit serious, but it’s not a stroke. As I’m talking to you, he’s in his house. He has not been flown anywhere. Of course, he might seek medical attention elsewhere if doctors recommend it.”
Another source confirmed that while the situation is being monitored, the minister remains in stable condition. “He’s being attended to by Nigerian doctors. They’re still monitoring him. If he needs medical care outside Nigeria, he will go. But he’s still at home. There are no plans to replace him,” the source stated.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also affirmed that the 69-year-old minister is recovering in Nigeria. “Yes, he’s indisposed. Wale Edun suddenly fell ill. As we are talking, he is in Nigeria and recuperating,” he said.
The clarification comes after The Whistler reported that President Bola Tinubu was considering appointing a replacement due to Edun’s health condition.
Last week, the Presidency announced that Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso would lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 2025 World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., on behalf of the minister. The meetings are scheduled to commence on Monday, October 14.
Appointed on August 28, 2023, Wale Edun has been a key figure in President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, working to stabilise the naira, curb inflation, and attract foreign investment. He previously served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance between 1999 and 2004 during Tinubu’s administration.
As of press time, the Ministry of Finance has yet to issue an official statement regarding his health.