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Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, on Wednesday made a surprise public appearance at the O’DA Art Gallery booth during the ongoing 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London, effectively dispelling rumours about his health and speculations of his incapacitation.
Edun was seen walking around the exhibition space at Somerset House, United Kingdom, in videos shared on the official Instagram page of O’DA Art Gallery.
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His calm and composed appearance comes just days after sections of the media reported that he had suffered a stroke and was flown abroad for treatment—claims the Presidency swiftly denied.
The Presidency had clarified that the Minister only took a short rest in Abuja following an illness, describing reports of a stroke as “false, sensational, and irresponsible.”
In the videos posted by O’DA Art Gallery, the Minister could be seen engaging with curators and viewing artworks displayed at the Nigerian-owned booth.
The gallery, in its caption accompanying the post, expressed delight at his visit, writing:
“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.
“We were pleased to share a preview of our presentation ‘Lines of Spirit’, featuring works by Simon Ojeaga, Paul Majek, and Afeez Onakoya — a celebration of contemporary African abstraction and the enduring power of line, form, and spirit.”
The Minister’s appearance has since gone viral, with many Nigerians and art enthusiasts taking to social media to express relief and commend him for supporting the promotion of African art on a global stage.
Edun’s attendance at the prestigious 1-54 London art fair not only reaffirms his good health but also puts to rest days of intense speculation that President Bola Tinubu was seeking a replacement amid rumours of the Minister’s incapacitation.
The 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, held annually at Somerset House, is the leading international art fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora, attracting galleries, collectors, and artists from across the world.
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