Ero-Arike Workers Appeal to Nigerians as Political Backlash Threatens Brand Patronage

 

Ero Arike Founder/C.E.O

By Victor Olubiye

Workers and beneficiaries of Ero-Arike herbal balm have moved to defend the business from the political fallout surrounding its owner, Alhaja Falilat Oyetunji, popularly known as Ero-Arike.

In a video circulating online, the women appealed to Nigerians not to boycott the product over Oyetunji's political involvement, arguing that the business supports workers and families across different communities.

The intervention comes days after the conclusion of the 2026 Osun State governorship election, in which Oyetunji openly campaigned for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

Oyetunji had attracted considerable attention during the election period after appearing in a video distributing rice packaged with APC branding while urging beneficiaries to support Oyebamiji. Another portion of the video generated criticism after she appeared to issue spiritual warnings to people who accepted the food but voted for another candidate.

The controversy continued after the election, which was won by Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Oyetunji subsequently addressed APC supporters, describing politics as a game in which victory and defeat are possible. She also maintained her support for Oyebamiji despite the result.

The latest appeal by Ero-Arike workers appears to seek a separation between the political controversy and the commercial activities of the business.

One of the women said Oyetunji's support had made a significant difference in her own life, recalling that she became a widow five years ago.

“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,” she said.

Another speaker specifically appealed to members of the Muslim community, saying the business has also provided support to Hausa people.

"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,” she said.

The workers also mentioned Oyo, Ibadan, Lagos, Owo and Agbara as places where the business has workers or beneficiaries.

The development highlights the difficulty businesses can face when the public identity of an owner becomes closely associated with a contentious political issue.

Ero-Arike is produced by Olokemeji Nigeria Limited, where Oyetunji serves as chief executive officer. The businesswoman has been publicly active in Osun politics and was formally associated with the APC in 2026 after previously supporting the PDP and the Adeleke political camp.

Her political activities have therefore become part of the public conversation surrounding a brand that also has an established network of workers and beneficiaries.

The workers' appeal does not dispute the political controversy surrounding Oyetunji. Instead, their message centres on what they say is at stake if public anger against her is transferred to the business.

For them, the product represents more than its owner.

It represents jobs, sales, family responsibilities and, according to the testimonies in the video, assistance that has reached people across different communities.

As the political dust from the Osun election continues to settle, the workers are asking Nigerians to keep that distinction in view.