After rumours of his incapacitation, Nigeria's Finance Minister, Wale Edun re-emerged in UK...

Nigeria's Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, on Wednesday made his first public appearance in the United Kingdom.

CBI News reports that this came days after a storm of speculation over his health set social media abuzz in Nigeria.

Edun was sighted at the O’DA Art Gallery booth during the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair at Somerset House, London. The minister, dressed in a long coat and scarf, appeared composed as he toured the exhibition Lines of Spirit, which featured works by African artists Simon Ojeaga, Paul Majek, and Afeez Onakoya.

In a post shared on Instagram, the gallery said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Honourable Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to the O’DA Art Gallery booth… We had the privilege of walking him through our presentation.”

The appearance comes only days after media reports alleged that Edun had been flown abroad on medical grounds and was incapacitated.

Earlier, it was reported that the minister had been placed on doctor-mandated rest in Abuja, preventing him from leading Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank–IMF Annual Meetings in New York. His absence fueled speculations that President Bola Tinubu was already shopping for a replacement.

Some online platforms went further, claiming Edun was bedridden. However, multiple Presidency sources have since denied the reports.

“He was not flown. He travelled himself two days ago,” a top aide told BusinessDay, stressing that there was no need for his replacement.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, also dismissed the rumours: "Contrary to the reports by social media, the minister is not incapacitated. He was indisposed, but he is currently recovering.”

He confirmed that Central Bank Governor Oluyemi Cardoso led Nigeria’s delegation to the IMF–World Bank meetings as an alternate, alongside Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite.

Edun’s brief medical leave carried political weight, given his pivotal role in driving President Tinubu’s economic reforms. Since his appointment in August 2023, he has overseen the implementation of controversial but far-reaching policies, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of Nigeria’s multiple exchange rates.

His absence from Washington raised concerns over continuity and investor confidence at a time Nigeria is grappling with inflationary pressures, a weakened naira, and mounting public discontent.

Who Is Wale Edun?

Edun is a seasoned economist, investment banker, and public servant with decades of experience in finance. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of London and a master’s degree from the University of Sussex, England.

Early Career: Edun began at Chase Merchant Bank (later Continental) in Lagos between 1980 and 1986 before joining the World Bank in 1986, working on economic and financial programmes across Latin America and the Caribbean.

In 1989, he co-founded Investment Banking and Trust Company Limited (now Stanbic IBTC) and later founded Denham Management Limited in 1994, which grew into Chapel Hill Denham, where he served as chairman from 2008 to 2021.

He was appointed Lagos State Commissioner for Finance from 1999 to 2004 by then Governor Bola Tinubu, a role that strengthened his long-standing relationship with the current president.

He is the father of British actor Adetomiwa Edun, popularly known for his role as Sir Elyan in the television series Merlin.