Akure, Ondo State — Former federal lawmaker, Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye, popularly known as Small Alhaji, has reacted to the controversy surrounding his disclosure that he spent about ₦1.4 billion during his last election campaign in the Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency.
Adefisoye, who lost the 2023 election to Hon. Festus Akingbaso of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), (Now APC) took to his official Facebook page on Monday to clarify his position and defend his record.
“₦1.4B? Abeg, is that too big or too small for me to spend? I’m just laughing at the way some people are carrying it on their heads as if it’s something out of this world,” he wrote.
The 41-year-old former legislator explained that his wealth predated his political career, noting that he became a millionaire at the age of 18.
“Before anyone shouts yahoo yahoo, let me remind you — when I was 18, that thing never even exist. My records are clear; go and check my CCB form. We don’t hide what God has blessed us with,” Adefisoye stated.
He also highlighted his family background, recalling that his late father was once regarded as the richest man in Ondo State. He pointed to his business ventures, including the City Center Hotel in Akure, as proof of his legitimate earnings.
Adefisoye criticized what he described as a tendency to undermine wealthy individuals from local communities while celebrating others elsewhere.
“The truth is, we hardly respect our own. If it were Obi Cubana or some other big names, people would be clapping and hailing. But when it’s someone from right here, suddenly it’s a problem,” he wrote.
He stressed that his remarks were not intended as boastful, but simply to clarify the record.
“Before una come say the boy dey proud. I no proud oh. I just say make I set the record straight. Eshe gan,” he concluded.
Adefisoye represented Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency between 2019 and 2023 under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) before later aligning with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
