Tinubu’s minister Wale Edun falls sick, to travel abroad for treatment

Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, is reportedly recovering from an undisclosed illness and may soon travel abroad for further treatment.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Olayemi Cardoso, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the annual World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) meetings in Washington, DC, United States.

According to reports, the minister, who is about 69 years old, suddenly fell ill but remains in Nigeria as he continues to recuperate.

In a statement on Sunday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed that Edun is currently indisposed.

“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 reporters on Sunday evening.

A source, who requested anonymity, speaking to the newspaper, dismissed claims that Edun suffered a stroke or had already 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 clarified, adding that the minister is currently resting at home.

The clarification comes after reports by The Whistler suggested that President Tinubu was considering replacing the minister following news of his ill health

Earlier, the Presidency confirmed that Edun would not attend this year’s World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings, explaining that Cardoso would represent Nigeria.

The global meetings, which gather finance ministers, central bankers, and economists from around the world, are scheduled to begin on Monday, October 14.

Appointed on August 28, 2023, Edun has been a key figure in Tinubu’s fiscal reform drive, leading efforts to stabilise the naira, curb inflation, and attract foreign investment.

Before his appointment, he served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance during Tinubu’s administration between 1999 and 2004.