Women identifying as workers of the Ero-Arike herbal balm business have made an emotional appeal to Nigerians, urging them not to let the political backlash against founder Falilat Oyetunji destroy their livelihoods. In a viral video, the women held containers of the product and pleaded with the public to separate the business from Oyetunji's political activities.
Workers Plead: 'Do Not Ruin Our Mother's Work'
One of the women, who said she had been widowed for five years, claimed Oyetunji had supported her through some of the most difficult moments of her life. According to her, the businesswoman helped her build a house, stock her business, and pay for her children's education. She pleaded: "Do not ruin our mother's work. We are pleading with you."
Another woman questioned what would happen to the workers if Nigerians stopped patronising the product. "Do you want to take away our livelihood?" she asked. The group also addressed members of the Hausa and Muslim communities, claiming that Ero-Arike's business had provided jobs and catered to their needs.
Locations and Community Impact
The women mentioned locations including Oyo, Ibadan, Lagos, Owo, and Agbara, where they said the company had workers and beneficiaries. Their appeal comes after Oyetunji faced backlash over her political involvement in the August 15 Osun governorship election, where she campaigned for APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who lost to incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke.
However, Legit.ng cannot independently verify whether the women featured in the video are workers or marketers of the business. The video has sparked reactions on social media, with some users defending Oyetunji's right to political involvement while others criticised her for being openly partisan.
Social Media Reactions
Legit.ng compiled comments from social media users below:
- @I_am_Abdelsamad stated: "Negative involvement? For not supporting their favourite candidate? Politics isn't a game of sentiments but a game of interests."
- @opeyemi_h noted: "Well well well, she doesn't know that as an entrepreneur, especially in the FMCG sector, you cannot afford to be openly partisan."
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that when the final results of the Osun governorship election began to favour Governor Ademola Adeleke, one name was repeatedly heard from the campaign's media front: Pelumi Olajengbesi. The lawyer and Accord Party chieftain emerged as one of the most visible voices defending Adeleke throughout the tense election, issuing near-daily statements, challenging alleged irregularities, and urging voters to protect their ballots.
