Fresh details have emerged around the exit of Wale Edun, with the Presidency firmly rejecting claims of dismissal and maintaining that his departure was entirely voluntary due to health concerns.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the State House said Edun followed due process by formally submitting his resignation before any public announcement was made.
The clarification comes after widespread speculation surrounding the circumstances of his exit as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the Presidency, Edun stepped down after months of health challenges, choosing to resign on his 70th birthday as a symbolic close to his time in office.
The statement also revealed that the veteran economist held a private, hour-long meeting with the president at the Presidential Villa before his exit was formally announced, marking a final engagement with the administration.
In his resignation letter, Edun expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve, describing his time in office as both a privilege and a contribution to the government’s reform agenda.
“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he wrote, while commending the government’s economic direction.
The Presidency further confirmed that Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who served as Minister of Housing and Urban Development, also resigned voluntarily and thanked the president for the opportunity.
President Tinubu, according to the statement, acknowledged the contributions of both ministers and wished them success in their future pursuits.
Attention has now shifted to Edun’s successor, Taiwo Oyedele, who has been tasked with consolidating ongoing economic reforms and strengthening fiscal policy implementation.
The Presidency also disclosed that a replacement for the housing ministry is underway, with Muttaqha Rabe Darma expected to be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.
While official accounts attribute Edun’s exit to health reasons, earlier reports had pointed to mounting pressure within the administration and broader concerns around his role in managing fiscal policy.
His departure marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s economic leadership at a time when the government is pushing forward with key reforms aimed at stabilising the economy.
