Workers and marketers of Ero-Arike herbal balm have appealed to Nigerians to continue patronising the product despite the backlash against its owner, Falilat Oyetunji, popularly known as Ero-Arike, over her involvement in the recently concluded Osun State governorship election.
In a video circulating on social media, a group of women holding containers of the balm appealed to the public not to allow the political controversy surrounding Oyetunji to affect the business.
The women, who described themselves as beneficiaries and marketers of the company, said the business had provided livelihoods and supported families in different parts of the country.
One of the women, speaking in Yoruba, said she had been widowed for five years and claimed that Oyetunji had assisted her with housing, business capital and her children’s education.
“Do not ruin Ero-Arike’s business. Do you want to take away our livelihood?” another woman said.
The group also appealed to people in communities including Oyo, Ibadan, Lagos, Owo and Agbara, where they said the company has workers and beneficiaries. They also addressed members of the Hausa and Muslim communities, saying the business had provided opportunities and catered to their needs.
However, could not independently verify whether the women featured in the video are employees or marketers of Ero-Arike.
The appeal followed criticism of Oyetunji over her active involvement in the August 15, 2026, Osun governorship election. She campaigned for the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who lost to the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke.
During the campaign, Oyetunji distributed rice packaged with APC branding and urged residents to support Oyebamiji. She later faced criticism after a video surfaced in which she issued spiritual warnings against people who accepted the rice but did not vote for the APC candidate.
Oyetunji is the Chief Executive Officer of Olokemeji Nigeria Limited, the company behind the Ero-Arike traditional herbal balm produced in Osun State. Her political activities have since generated controversy, with the backlash extending to calls involving the brand.
The women concluded their appeal with prayers for the continued success of the business, its workers and customers.
