Ailing Finance Minister makes surprise appearance at London Art Fair

Mr. Wale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, who was recently reported to be receiving medical treatment abroad, made a surprise public appearance in London on Wednesday.

A short video circulating on social media on Wednesday showed the ailing minister at the O’DA Art Gallery booth during the ongoing 1-54 London Art Fair, an annual event that celebrates contemporary African art.

In the clip, Edun was seen in the company of a male aide while casually interacting with a female official from the Fair, a sight that has drawn mixed reactions online, given recent reports about his ill health.

Earlier, some news media reported that Edun had taken ill and was initially receiving treatment in Nigeria. Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser, confirmed the development to the President on Information and Strategy, who acknowledged the minister’s health challenges.

However, a follow-up report by Western Post revealed that Edun had travelled to the United Kingdom for further medical attention.

As a result of his condition, Edun was said to have opted out of attending this year’s World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.

In his absence, Olayemi Cardoso, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the global finance meetings, which commenced on Tuesday, October 14.