Presidency Breaks Silence: “Wale Edun Is Recovering, Not Replaced” — Tinubu’s Finance Minister Battles Sudden Illness Amid Reform Drive

The Presidency has debunked widespread rumours suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to replace the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, following reports of his sudden illness.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, clarified that the minister is recuperating at his Abuja residence and is “receiving the best medical care locally.”

> “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 said, dismissing claims that the minister suffered a stroke or was flown abroad for treatment.

The clarification comes amid swirling speculation that President Tinubu had begun consultations to replace Edun, who has been one of the central figures in his administration’s economic reform team.

Earlier, the Presidency confirmed that Mr. Edun would not attend the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C., a development that fueled the rumours. Instead, Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso was announced as the head of Nigeria’s delegation to the high-profile global financial gathering, which begins Monday, October 14.

Appointed on August 28, 2023, as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun has been instrumental in driving President Tinubu’s bold fiscal and monetary reforms — from stabilising the naira and curbing inflation to restoring investor confidence in Africa’s largest economy.

Sources close to the ministry described Edun’s illness as “sudden but manageable,” assuring Nigerians that the minister remains mentally sharp and in touch with key policy decisions.

As one of the key architects of the administration’s economic recovery blueprint, Edun’s temporary absence has drawn national attention, with analysts urging continuity in policy direction to sustain recent fiscal gains.

While prayers continue to pour in for his quick recovery, the Presidency’s firm rebuttal aims to douse tensions and reaffirm confidence that Nigeria’s economic management remains on course.