Workers and marketers linked to Ero-Arike herbal balm have appealed to Nigerians to continue patronising the brand despite the political controversy surrounding its owner, Falilat Oyetunji, popularly known as Ero-Arike.
In a video circulating online, several women holding containers of the herbal balm pleaded with members of the public not to allow Oyetunji’s political activities to affect the business and the livelihoods connected to it.
The women described themselves as beneficiaries and marketers of the business, saying the company had helped provide income for families in different parts of the country.
One of the women said Oyetunji had supported her after she became a widow, claiming that she received assistance with housing, business stock and her children’s education.
Another speaker appealed to Nigerians in areas including Oyo, Ibadan, Lagos, Owo and Agbara, where they said the company has workers and beneficiaries.
The group also appealed to members of the Hausa and Muslim communities, stressing that the business provides employment and caters to customers from different backgrounds.
They concluded the appeal with prayers for the continued success of the company and its customers.
However, the identities and employment status of the women featured in the video could not be independently verified.
The appeal comes amid criticism of Oyetunji over her involvement in the August 15 Osun governorship election.
Oyetunji, who is associated with the All Progressives Congress, campaigned for the party’s candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who lost the election to incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke.
During the campaign, she distributed rice carrying APC branding and urged residents to support Oyebamiji. She also faced criticism after a video circulated in which she issued spiritual warnings concerning people who accepted the rice but allegedly did not support the APC candidate.
Oyetunji is the Chief Executive Officer of Olokemeji Nigeria Limited, the company behind Ero-Arike, a traditional herbal balm produced in Osun State.
Her political activities have since generated controversy, with the backlash extending to the brand and prompting concerns among people who depend on the business for their livelihoods.
In a subsequent message following Adeleke’s victory, Oyetunji described politics as unpredictable, while encouraging APC supporters to remain committed and reaffirming her support for Oyebamiji.
The latest video appears aimed at appealing to Nigerians to separate the business and the livelihoods associated with Ero-Arike from the political activities of its owner.
