Wale Edun Is Sick but Recuperating at Home, No Plans to Replace Him” – Tinubu Presidency

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, is currently recuperating at his Abuja residence after falling ill, according to information from the Presidency. Officials have dismissed reports suggesting that President Bola Tinubu is considering appointing a replacement.

A senior government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Edun’s illness is “somewhat serious” but not related to a stroke, contrary to speculation circulating on social media. The source did not disclose details of the illness but stated that the minister is being cared for in Nigeria.

“Yes, he’s indisposed. He’s sick, which is a bit serious, but it’s not a stroke,” the official said. “He has not been flown anywhere. He’s in his house receiving medical attention. Of course, he might seek medical care elsewhere if doctors advise it, but for now, he remains in Nigeria.”

The clarification follows reports claiming that the minister’s condition was severe and that President Tinubu had begun consultations to find a possible replacement. Presidency officials have described those claims as inaccurate.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed that the 69-year-old finance minister is receiving treatment in Nigeria and is on the path to recovery. “Yes, he’s indisposed. Wale Edun suddenly fell ill. As we are talking, he is in Nigeria. He is recuperating. He’s around,” Onanuga told journalists on Sunday.

Despite his absence, government operations under the Finance Ministry are continuing. The Presidency earlier announced that Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., which begin on Monday, October 13.

According to Onanuga, “Cardoso, as the alternate Governor, replaces the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who is indisposed.” The delegation also includes the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja on Sunday for Rome, Italy, to participate in the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government Level Meeting, which will focus on addressing security challenges in West Africa. The meeting, co-chaired by Jordan and Italy, begins on October 14 and will bring together African leaders, security officials, and international partners.

Wale Edun, appointed on August 21, 2023, has played a central role in shaping the Tinubu administration’s economic policies and fiscal reforms. His professional relationship with the President dates back to Tinubu’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State, where Edun served as Commissioner for Finance from 1999 to 2004.

Sources confirmed that Edun was active in official engagements as recently as Thursday, participating in budget discussions with the Senate before taking ill. He continues to receive medical attention and remains under close observation.

Presidency officials reiterated that there are no plans to replace him and expressed optimism about his recovery.