Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has made his first public outing in the United Kingdom, days after rumours surfaced that he had been flown abroad over health concerns.
Edun was seen on Wednesday at the O’DA Art Gallery booth during the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair held at Somerset House, London.
The minister was taken on a guided tour of the exhibition Lines of Spirit, which featured works by African artists Simon Ojeaga, Paul Majek, and Afeez Onakoya. The collection explored themes of rhythm, form, and transcendence through contemporary abstraction.
In a video posted by the O’DA Art Gallery on its official Instagram page, the minister appeared composed and cheerful, dressed in a long coat and scarf as he admired the artworks. “It was a pleasure to welcome the Honourable Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to the O’DA Art Gallery booth. We had the privilege of walking him through our presentation,” the gallery stated.
Edun’s appearance comes amid widespread reports earlier this month suggesting he had been placed on doctor-mandated rest in Abuja and was unable to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank–IMF meetings in New York. His London outing appears to have put to rest the swirling rumours about his health, reassuring observers of his wellbeing.
The 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, now in its 12th edition, has become one of the most prominent global platforms showcasing modern and contemporary African art, attracting collectors, curators, and dignitaries from across the world.