The Presidency has dismissed widespread reports alleging that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, suffered a stroke and was flown abroad for medical treatment.
Officials clarified on Sunday, October 12, that the minister is recuperating in his Abuja home and receiving care from Nigerian doctors.
According to reports, a senior government official, who requested anonymity, described the viral claims as untrue.
“Yes, he’s indisposed. He’s sick, which is a bit serious, but it’s not 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. But he doesn’t have stroke. That’s why we said he is only indisposed,” the source explained.
Another official within the Presidency noted that while Edun remains under close medical supervision, there is currently no discussion about replacing him.
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“He’s being attended to by Nigerian doctors. They’re monitoring him, and if there’s a need for medical care outside Nigeria, he will go. But for now, he’s still at home. There are no plans to replace him,” the official said.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also confirmed that Edun is receiving medical attention 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 on Sunday evening.
The clarification follows reports by The Whistler suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was considering a replacement for the minister following news of his illness.
Earlier, the Presidency announced that the Central Bank Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, would represent Nigeria at the 2025 World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., on Edun’s behalf.
The meetings are scheduled to commence on Monday, October 14.