Wale Edun Wasn’t Sacked — He Resigned Over Ill Health – Onanuga

ABUJA, Nigeria  – The Presidency has clarified that former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, and former Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, voluntarily resigned from the Federal Executive Council before President Bola Tinubu approved a minor cabinet reshuffle.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the government stressed that both ministers were not sacked. Edun, who turned 70 on Monday, cited recent ill health as the reason for stepping down. He submitted his resignation letter on his birthday and later paid a valedictory visit to President Tinubu at the State House, where they held an hour-long discussion.

Onanuga noted that Edun thanked the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria and has now decided to focus on his private businesses and recovery. The former minister had earlier served as Commissioner for Finance under Tinubu during his time as Lagos State Governor.

For Dangiwa, the statement said he also tendered his resignation and expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the chance to contribute to the Renewed Hope Agenda. He is expected to ensure a smooth handover.

The developments came a day after the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, announced the reshuffle in a memo. Taiwo Oyedele, who was Minister of State for Finance, has been elevated to substantive Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. He is to take over from Edun immediately.

President Tinubu also nominated Muttaqha Rabe Darma as Minister-designate for Housing and Urban Development to replace Dangiwa. The Senate is expected to consider the nomination soon. Handover processes for both ministries are to be completed by close of business on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

NaijaChoice News understands the move is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination and delivery in key sectors. Some reports had earlier suggested tensions or performance issues, but the Presidency maintained the exits were voluntary and based on personal reasons.

The cabinet changes come as the administration continues to push economic reforms amid challenges in revenue, housing delivery and overall fiscal management. Observers say the elevation of Oyedele, a tax policy expert, signals a focus on deepening fiscal reforms.

President Tinubu is said to have assured remaining cabinet members that the process of reinvigorating the team will be continuous where necessary.