Presidency Denies Reports of Minister Wale Edun Suffering Stroke

Confirms He’s Recuperating in Abuja

The Presidency on Sunday evening refuted circulating media reports alleging that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, had suffered a stroke and was flown abroad for medical treatment.

Presidency sources confirmed that although the minister is currently unwell, he is recovering at his residence in Abuja and has not left the country.

A senior government official described the stroke claims as “false and misleading,” clarifying that while Edun’s illness is somewhat serious, it is not a stroke.

“Yes, he’s sick, and it’s a bit serious — but it is not a stroke. He hasn’t been flown out; he’s recuperating at home. Should there be a need for treatment abroad, that decision will be made by his doctors. For now, he’s just indisposed,” the official stated.

Another Presidency source also emphasized that Edun remains under medical observation locally and that there are currently no discussions about replacing him.

“He’s being monitored by Nigerian doctors. If the situation requires treatment outside the country, he may travel, but at the moment, he is still at home. There are no plans to appoint a replacement,” the source added.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, also addressed the situation, reiterating that Edun is receiving care in Nigeria.

“Wale Edun, who is around 69 years old, suddenly took ill. As of now, he is in the country and recuperating,” Onanuga said.

These clarifications come in response to online reports suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu might be considering replacing Edun due to his health condition.

In the meantime, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), which begin today in Washington, D.C. Cardoso, who serves as Nigeria’s Alternate Governor at the Bretton Woods institutions, is standing in for the ailing Edun.

Also part of the Nigerian delegation are the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and other senior government officials.

Highlights of this year’s meetings include the Development Committee Plenary scheduled for October 16 and the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) meeting on October 17.