Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, is recuperating at his Abuja home after falling ill, with the Presidency dismissing rumours that he suffered a stroke or had been flown abroad for treatment.
Presidency sources confirmed to The PUNCH on Sunday that although Edun’s illness is serious, he remains in Nigeria under the care of local doctors and there are no plans by President Bola Tinubu to replace him.
A senior official, who requested anonymity, 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 say it’s necessary.”
Another top source added that Edun is being closely monitored by Nigerian medical professionals and would only travel abroad if required. “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 official said.
Confirming the development, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the minister is recovering well. “Yes, he’s indisposed. Wale Edun is about 69 years old. He suddenly fell ill. As we are talking, he is in Nigeria. He is recuperating. He’s around,” he told The PUNCH.
His comments followed a report by The Whistler suggesting that President Tinubu was considering replacing Edun due to his health challenges.
Last week, the Presidency announced that Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso would lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., in Edun’s place. The global meetings are set to begin on Monday, October 14.
Appointed on August 28, 2023, Edun has been a key figure in Tinubu’s economic team, driving efforts to stabilise the naira, curb inflation, and attract foreign investment. He also served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance under Tinubu’s administration from 1999 to 2004.
As of press time, the Ministry of Finance had yet to issue an official statement on his health status.