Workers associated with Ero-Arike herbal balm have issued a public appeal requesting continued patronage of the product following severe backlash against the business owner, Falilat Oyetunji, over her political activities.
Oyetunji, who serves as Chief Executive Officer of Olokemeji Nigeria Limited, the Osun State-based firm behind the popular traditional balm, became a polarising figure after participating heavily in the state’s governorship election. Operating as a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) grassroots mobiliser, she actively campaigned for APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji. Her campaign efforts, which included distributing branded rice, drew intense criticism after video surfaced showing her issuing spiritual warnings against recipients who failed to vote for her candidate.
The resulting outrage has significantly impacted the brand, prompting staff to release a video pleading with the public to separate the business from its owner’s political choices.
In a social media video, a group of women holding containers of the balm sang and made emotional appeals to consumers across Nigeria, including key markets such as Oyo, Ibadan, Lagos, Owo, and Agbara.
The women stressed that the enterprise provides crucial livelihoods for numerous families. One widowed marketer shared her personal experience, stating: “I, standing here, my husband died five years ago. She helped me build a house, helped me stock goods, and helped me train my children in school. That business will not fail. Do not ruin our mother’s work. We are pleading with you.”
“Do not ruin Ero-Arike’s business. Do you want to take away our livelihood?” another worker added.
The group also specifically addressed Hausa and Muslim communities, highlighting the inclusive reach of the enterprise. Speaking in Hausa, one representative said: “Peace be upon you, Muslim community. We are Hausa people, and we have a place with Ero-Arike. We are eating here, we are drinking here. She caters to many of our needs.”
Oyetunji’s political background has seen notable shifts; she previously backed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Adeleke political camp before formally aligning with the APC. Following the election outcome, she released a statement acknowledging the unpredictable nature of politics, urging APC supporters to remain steadfast, and reaffirming her allegiance to Oyebamiji.
The group concluded their appeal with collective prayers for the enterprise and its customer base. However, the media has not independently verified whether all individuals featured in the recording are officially employed by or registered marketers for the brand.