Finance minister Wale Edun spotted at London Art Fair, calms health concerns

Wale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, attended an art exhibition in London, a video has shown. This is coming just days after reports surfaced that he was unwell and had traveled abroad for medical treatment.

A video shared on social media by Bayo Onanuga, a presidential spokesman, shows the minister speaking to someone at the O’DA Art Gallery booth during the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, an annual event that celebrates African creativity and culture. The fair, taking place at Somerset House in London from October 16 to 19, brings together artists, galleries, and collectors from across the continent and beyond.

The 1-54 Art Fair is regarded as one of the most prominent platforms for modern and contemporary African art. This year, Nigeria had a strong showing, with O’DA Art Gallery representing the country. The gallery’s exhibition, titled “Lines of Spirit,” features captivating works by three Nigerian artists  Simon Ojeaga, Paul Majek, and Afeez Onakoya. Their paintings and mixed-media pieces explore themes of identity, culture, and spiritual connection, blending traditional African motifs with modern techniques.

Visitors at the fair have described the Nigerian section as “vibrant” and “deeply rooted in storytelling,” reflecting the growing global interest in West African art. The presence of a high-ranking government official such as Edun added further spotlight to the exhibition, sparking conversations about the intersection of art, culture, and economic diplomacy.

Following the viral video, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed that Edun was indeed in the United Kingdom but explained that his visit was approved and legitimate.

“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 posted on X.

Earlier, presidential sources had confirmed that Edun was indisposed, leading to a change in Nigeria’s official delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) annual meetings in Washington D.C., United States. Because of his condition, Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), led the delegation in Edun’s absence. The minister was initially expected to attend the meetings, where Nigeria’s economic plans and international partnerships were key topics of discussion.

According to reports, Edun departed Abuja for Lagos on Monday night via commercial flight before proceeding for treatment. However, neither the government nor his aides provided detailed information on the nature of his ailment or the exact duration of his stay abroad.