Workers and marketers of the popular Ero-Arike herbal balm brand have pleaded with Nigerians not to boycott the product over the political activities of its owner, Falilat Oyetunji, popularly known as Ero-Arike.

The appeal followed a wave of backlash against Ero-Arike after her active involvement in the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election, in which she mobilised support for the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. Oyebamiji lost to the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, and Ero-Arike has since faced criticism online that has spilled over into calls to shun her business.

In a video circulating on social media, a group of women carrying containers of the balm sang and appealed to the public not to let the political controversy affect the company, insisting that the brand had sustained their families for years.

One woman, speaking in Yoruba, said she had been widowed for five years and credited Ero-Arike with rebuilding her life. She said, “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.”

Another woman in the group appealed directly on behalf of workers and beneficiaries drawn from several parts of the country, including Oyo, Ibadan, Lagos, Owo and Agbara, warning that a boycott would strip many of their source of income. “Do not ruin Ero-Arike’s business. Do you want to take away our livelihood?” she said.

The group extended their appeal to the Hausa and Muslim communities, who they said also depended on the brand. A speaker addressed them in Hausa, saying, “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 closed the video with prayers for the continued success of the business, with the group responding, “Amen.”

Ero-Arike, a prominent APC grassroots mobiliser in Osun, had campaigned vigorously for Oyebamiji ahead of the election. After Adeleke’s victory was announced, she released a video describing politics as unpredictable, urged APC supporters not to be discouraged by the loss, and reaffirmed her continued support for Oyebamiji. (Saturday Tribune)

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