Presidency sources have debunked reports suggesting that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, is to be replaced following his recent illness, confirming that the minister is recuperating at his residence in Abuja and has not been flown abroad for treatment.
A senior presidential official, who spoke under condition of anonymity, confirmed that the minister is indeed indisposed but dismissed rumours that he suffered a stroke or was being treated overseas.
“Yes, he’s indisposed. He’s sick, which is a bit serious, but it’s not a stroke,” the source said. “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 advise it, but for now, he remains in Nigeria.”
Another top government official corroborated the information, explaining that the minister is currently under the care of Nigerian doctors, who continue to monitor his recovery.
“He’s being attended to by Nigerian doctors. They’re still observing him. If he needs medical care abroad, he will go, but for now, he’s at home,” the source stated. “There are no plans to replace him.”
Also speaking on the matter, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that Edun is receiving medical care in Nigeria and is responding to treatment.
“Yes, he’s indisposed. Wale Edun is about 69 years old. He suddenly fell ill, but as we speak, he is in Nigeria, recuperating. He’s around,” Onanuga said on Sunday.
The clarification follows media reports claiming that President Bola Tinubu was considering a replacement for the minister after news of his ill health surfaced last week.
Earlier, the Presidency had announced that Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso would lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., in Edun’s stead. The high-level meetings, which bring together finance ministers, central bank governors, and global economic experts, are scheduled to begin on Monday, October 14.
Appointed on August 28, 2023, as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Edun has been a key figure in President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, driving policies aimed at stabilising the naira, curbing inflation, and boosting investor confidence.
A seasoned economist and banker, he previously served as Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State between 1999 and 2004 during Tinubu’s tenure as governor.
As of press time, the Federal Ministry of Finance has yet to issue an official statement regarding the minister’s health, but Presidency sources insist there is no cause for alarm and no plan for his replacement.