Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, has made a surprise public appearance in London, putting to rest rumours that he had suffered a stroke and was seriously ill.
Edun was seen on Wednesday, October 15, at the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, currently ongoing at Somerset House in the United Kingdom. He visited the booth of O’DA Art Gallery, a Nigerian-owned gallery participating in the international event.
The Minister appeared calm and healthy, walking through the exhibition and engaging with curators, according to videos posted by O’DA Art Gallery on Instagram. The gallery’s official page shared the videos and expressed excitement over his visit.
“It was an honour to welcome the Honourable Minister of Finance, Wale Edun – @finminnigeria, to the O’DA Art Gallery booth at 1-54 London today, 15 October, 2025, at Somerset House,” the post read.
The Minister’s presence at the event came just days after online rumours suggested he had suffered a stroke and was flown abroad for treatment. Some media outlets even claimed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was already considering a replacement due to his alleged incapacitation.
However, the Presidency had earlier debunked the reports, describing them as “false, sensational, and irresponsible.” According to the official statement, Mr. Edun only took a short medical rest in Abuja and did not travel abroad for treatment.
The recent videos have now cleared any remaining doubts, with Nigerians reacting on social media, many expressing relief and praising the Minister for supporting Nigerian art on an international platform.
Edun’s visit to the O’DA booth coincided with the gallery’s presentation titled “Lines of Spirit”, which features the works of African artists Simon Ojeaga, Paul Majek, and Afeez Onakoya. The exhibit celebrates contemporary African abstraction and explores themes of line, form, and spiritual energy.
The Minister’s engagement at the fair signals his return to public life and sends a strong message about his wellbeing. It also underlines his continued commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries on a global scale.
The 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair is a globally recognized event that brings together leading galleries, collectors, and artists focused on Africa and its diaspora. Held annually at the historic Somerset House in London, the fair is a major platform for promoting African creativity and talent.
Nigeria’s participation through O’DA Art Gallery reflects the growing interest in African art and its influence on the global stage. The gallery’s involvement also shows how Nigerian artists are gaining international recognition and support.
By attending the event in person, Edun not only reassured the public about his health but also demonstrated his support for cultural diplomacy and soft power — using the arts to boost Nigeria’s image abroad.
With this public outing, the Finance Minister has firmly shut down speculation surrounding his health.
