Amid growing speculation over the health of Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, reliable information has confirmed that he has travelled to the United Kingdom for medical treatment — with the full approval of President Bola Tinubu.
A close associate of the minister told Vanguard that Mr. Edun personally spoke with President Tinubu two days ago to request time off for treatment, which the president promptly granted.
Contrary to reports circulating online, the source debunked claims that Mr. Edun suffered a stroke or was flown abroad in an emergency, describing such reports as “grossly exaggerated.”
“The true situation is that he travelled to Lagos on a commercial flight two nights ago, and from there, he boarded a British Airways flight to the UK to see his doctors,” the insider explained. “He was not in critical condition. He travelled alone, without any emergency medical evacuation.”
The source added that Mr. Edun merely “felt unwell” during a meeting in his office, prompting the medical trip. “He didn’t collapse or suffer a stroke; it was simply a mild health issue,” the person clarified.
As for how long he will remain abroad, the source said only his doctors and the minister himself could determine that.
On speculation about possible replacement, the insider dismissed the rumour, insisting there have been no such discussions. “There’s no talk of replacing him. The Minister of State for Finance is capable of managing his duties in the meantime,” the source said.
“If there’s any need for substitution, it would come from within the existing cabinet — but for now, the president has only asked him to take care of his health and return when fully recovered.”
The source concluded, “Mr. Edun spoke directly with President Tinubu before leaving. The president approved his leave and encouraged him to prioritise his recovery.”
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