Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun has been reported ill and is recovering at his Abuja residence.
This is according to Punch.
However, the Presidency has dismissed rumours of a stroke or plans to replace him.
Multiple sources confirmed to The Punch on Sunday that while the minister’s condition is somewhat serious, he remains under medical supervision in Nigeria and has not been flown abroad for treatment.
A senior 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 government source added that Edun is currently being treated by Nigerian doctors, noting that any decision for further care abroad would depend on medical advice. “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 said.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also confirmed that Edun is recuperating in Nigeria. “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.
The clarification followed reports by The Whistler suggesting President Bola Tinubu was considering replacing the minister due to his health condition.
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., on behalf of Edun. The meetings are scheduled to begin on Monday, October 14.
Appointed on August 28, 2023, Edun has played a central role in Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, focusing on stabilising the naira, curbing inflation, and attracting foreign investment. He previously 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 the minister’s health.
