The Presidency has dismissed reports suggesting that the former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, was removed from office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, clarifying that he voluntarily resigned on health grounds.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was confirmed that Edun formally tendered his resignation before the President announced a replacement on Tuesday.
Similarly, the former Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, also stepped down from his position, expressing appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve in the Federal Executive Council.
Mr. Edun, who marked his 70th birthday on Monday and has recently experienced health challenges, submitted his resignation on the same day. In his letter, he thanked the President for the opportunity to serve the nation.
“It has been an honour to be part of your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he wrote.
“Under your leadership, Nigeria has become stronger, more stable, and more respected internationally.
“I wish you continued success in the years ahead.”
Before his exit was officially announced by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Edun paid a farewell visit to President Tinubu at the State House on Tuesday. He later left following a private meeting that lasted about an hour, indicating his intention to focus on personal engagements.
Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, a professional architect, previously served as Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank from 2015 to 2022 and as Secretary to the Katsina State Government before his appointment as minister in August 2023.
Edun, an economist and investment banker, served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance between 1999 and 2004 during Tinubu’s tenure as governor.
He earlier worked at Chase Merchant Bank in Lagos from 1980 to 1986 before joining the World Bank under its Young Professionals Programme, where he contributed to economic and financial projects across Latin America and the Caribbean.
In 1989, he co-founded Investment Banking & Trust Company Limited (now Stanbic IBTC) and later established Denham Management Limited in 1994, which evolved into the Chapelhill Denham Group. He served as chairman of the company from 2008 to 2021.
President Tinubu has commended both Edun and Dangiwa for their service and contributions to the administration’s economic reform agenda, and wished them success in their future endeavours.
The President has also directed the newly appointed Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and strengthen the administration’s fiscal and economic policies with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.
In addition, President Tinubu is expected to forward the nomination of Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina State, to the Senate for confirmation as Minister of Housing.
