By Abiola Olawale
The Presidency has confirmed that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, is recovering from a sudden illness at his Abuja residence, with no immediate plans for his replacement under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The update comes as the Presidency confirmed earlier that Edun would not be attending this year’s World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., revealing that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, would instead lead Nigeria’s delegation.
Following the development, reports emerged that Edun is reportedly in a severe condition—potentially a stroke—requiring overseas treatment, with some outlets claiming Tinubu had begun discreet consultations for a successor.
However, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga denied these claims, emphasizing that Edun is under the care of local physicians and remains 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 stated.
Also, another insider source who spoke with the press on the condition of anonymity revealed that: “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 the doctors say that is necessary. So, it’s not true that he had a stroke.
“He doesn’t have a stroke, which is why we put it in the statement that he is indisposed.”
