Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has been spotted at the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London, days after reports surfaced about his ill health and medical trip abroad.
Edun was seen visiting the O’DA Art Gallery booth at the event, held at Somerset House from October 16 to 19, where he interacted with guests and viewed works by Nigerian artists Simon Ojeaga, Paul Majek, and Afeez Onakoya under the exhibition theme “Lines of Spirit.”
His appearance was captured in a video that circulated widely online and was later confirmed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
“Finance Minister Wale Edun visits an art exhibition in the UK. He is in the country for an officially sanctioned few days of rest from the rigours of managing the Nigerian economy,” Onanuga stated on X (formerly Twitter).
The outing marks Edun’s first public sighting since reports of his illness and medical travel emerged earlier in the week. On Sunday, Onanuga had confirmed that the minister was unwell, prompting Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.
According to earlier accounts, Edun departed Abuja for Lagos on Monday night before traveling abroad for treatment. His latest public appearance has since generated reactions among Nigerians, many expressing relief at signs of his recovery.
