OPINION: DON’T PLAY POLITICS WITH BITTERNESS — LEAVE ERO ARIKE ALONE By Bishop Dr. Sanya Ojo
The Osun governorship election has come and gone, but its memories will continue to linger in the minds of the people, particularly because of the roles played by different political actors before and during the election.
One personality who attracted considerable attention was businesswoman and political mobiliser Alhaja Falilat Yusuf, popularly known as Ero Arike.
According to her public account, she once supported Ademola Adeleke against former Governor Gboyega Oyetola before later shifting her political alliance to the APC. Her latest political choice may not have produced the result she expected, but that is politics. Political alliances change, interests change, and politicians are free to support candidates of their choice.
As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has often demonstrated through his political philosophy, politics should not become a permanent war among citizens. After an election, people must find a way to live and work together.
Since the election, several videos involving Ero Arike have continued to generate controversy. Most recently, she reportedly made allegations concerning the Ataoja of Osogbo, claiming that actions were being taken against vehicles connected with her business. These remain claims that should be treated as allegations unless independently established.
Whatever political disagreements exist, they should not become a campaign to destroy a legitimate business or punish ordinary customers and distributors.
If people have been buying Ero Arike products and are satisfied with them, why should their freedom of choice be affected because of the owner’s political position? Politics will come and go, but people still have to earn a living.
Nigeria has repeatedly witnessed unusual political alliances. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for example, remains associated with the PDP despite openly supporting President Tinubu of the APC in the 2023 presidential election. That illustrates how complicated political interests and alliances can become.
We must therefore learn to disagree politically without turning disagreement into bitterness, personal destruction or economic victimisation.
Ero Arike should also understand that political participation comes with responsibility. Statements capable of insulting, threatening or provoking members of the public should be avoided. Political freedom should go together with respect for others.
The election is over. Winners should govern, losers should prepare for another day, and supporters on every side should allow peace to reign.
Leave Ero Arike alone. Let her lawful business compete freely in the marketplace. Let customers decide what products they want to buy.
Today’s political opponent may become tomorrow’s political ally.
Politics should never become permanent bitterness.
With Love From
Bishop Dr. Sanya Ojo
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