Edun Recuperating In Abuja, Not Replaced — Presidency Confirms Finance Minister’s Illness

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, is recuperating at his Abuja residence after falling ill, multiple Presidency sources confirmed on Sunday.
The clarification comes amid speculation that President Bola Tinubu was seeking to replace the minister following reports of his ill health.
Speaking to The PUNCH, a senior government official, who requested anonymity as he was not authorised to speak publicly, dismissed reports that Edun had suffered a stroke or been flown abroad for treatment.
“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 say it is necessary. So, it’s not true that he has stroke. He doesn’t have stroke. That’s why we stated that he is indisposed.”
Another Presidency source confirmed that Edun is under the care of Nigerian doctors, who are monitoring his recovery. “He’s being attended to by Nigerian doctors. They’re still observing him. If he needs medical care outside Nigeria, he will go. But he’s still at home,” the official said, adding, “There are no plans to replace him.”
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, also confirmed that Edun is receiving medical care within 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 told The PUNCH on Sunday evening.
The Presidency’s clarification follows recent reports suggesting that Tinubu might be considering replacements for Edun amid ongoing economic challenges.
Earlier, the Presidency had announced that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. 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 meetings, which gather finance ministers, central bankers, and economic experts from around the world, are scheduled to begin on Monday, October 14.
Appointed on August 28, 2023, Edun has played a key role in implementing Tinubu’s fiscal reforms, including efforts to stabilise the naira, tackle inflation, and attract foreign investment.
Before joining Tinubu’s federal cabinet, Edun served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance between 1999 and 2004 during Tinubu’s tenure as governor.
As of press time, the Ministry of Finance has yet to release an official statement on the minister’s condition.
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