The presidency has dispelled speculation about the health status of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, confirming that he is recovering at his Abuja residence and that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has no plans to replace him.
A senior presidential official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that although Edun is “indisposed,” he has not suffered a stroke and remains in Nigeria under medical supervision.
“Yes, he’s indisposed. He’s sick, which is a bit serious, but it’s not stroke,” the source said.
“As I’m talking to you, he’s in his house. He has not been flown anywhere.”
Another presidency official added that Edun is receiving care from Nigerian doctors but may travel abroad for treatment if necessary.
“They’re still monitoring him. If he needs medical care outside Nigeria, he will go. But he’s still at home,” the source stated, stressing that “there are no plans to replace him.”
Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also confirmed the development.
“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,” Onanuga said on Sunday evening.
The clarification follows reports suggesting that Tinubu was considering a replacement for the minister after his absence from key engagements became public.
Earlier, the Presidency announced that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, would lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 2025 World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Washington D.C., which commence on Monday, October 14.
Appointed on August 28, 2023, Wale Edun has been central to President Tinubu’s fiscal reform drive, including efforts to stabilize the naira, curb inflation, and attract foreign investment. He previously served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance during Tinubu’s governorship between 1999 and 2004.
At press time, the Ministry of Finance is yet to issue an official statement.
