Ero-Arike Employees Appeal to Public: Separate Brand from Owner's Politics

Staff members of Ero-Arike herbal balm have made a public appeal to Nigerians, urging them to continue purchasing the product despite ongoing criticism directed at the owner, Falilat Oyetunji, known widely as Ero-Arike, for her role in the recently concluded Osun State gubernatorial election.

A video widely shared across social media platforms shows a group of women, holding containers of the popular balm, singing and pleading with the populace not to let the political controversy surrounding Oyetunji negatively impact the business. These women, who introduced themselves as both beneficiaries and marketers associated with the enterprise, highlighted that the company serves as a vital source of income and support for numerous families.

One woman, speaking in Yoruba, recounted her personal story, stating she had been a widow for five years and that Oyetunji had assisted her in building a home, stocking her trade, and funding her children's education. She passionately declared, “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.”

The appeal extended to Nigerians in various parts of the country, specifically mentioning Oyo, Ibadan, Lagos, Owo, and Agbara, where they noted the business sustains workers and beneficiaries. Another woman added, “Do not ruin Ero-Arike’s business. Do you want to take away our livelihood?”

Furthermore, the group directed a special plea to the Hausa and Muslim communities, asserting that the business caters to their needs and provides a means of living for their members. A speaker, addressing the Hausa community, stated, “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.” The women concluded their appeal with prayers for the continued success of the business, to which others responded, “Amen.”

However, PUNCH Online has stated that it could not independently verify the authenticity of the women in the video as actual employees or marketers of Ero-Arike. This public plea emerges amidst a wave of criticism against Oyetunji following her significant involvement in the August 15, 2026 Osun governorship election.

Oyetunji, a prominent grassroots mobiliser for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, actively campaigned for the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who ultimately lost to the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke. During the campaign period, she was observed distributing rice branded with APC logos, while urging residents to vote for Oyebamiji. She also drew criticism after a video surfaced showing her issuing spiritual warnings against individuals who accepted the rice but failed to vote for the APC candidate.

Oyetunji serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Olokemeji Nigeria Limited, the company responsible for producing Ero-Arike, a well-known traditional herbal balm originating from Osun State. Her deep political engagement has made her a divisive figure in recent weeks. She formally aligned with the APC in 2026, having previously supported the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Adeleke political faction in an earlier election. Following Adeleke’s victory, Oyetunji released a video acknowledging the unpredictable nature of politics, encouraging APC supporters not to be disheartened, and reiterating her support for Oyebamiji. The recent backlash against her has now impacted the Ero-Arike brand, with the latest video seemingly aiming to dissociate the business and the livelihoods it supports from the political controversy surrounding its owner. The women concluded their appeal with prayers for the business and its clientele.