- Jehovah’s Witness Cancer Patient AuntieEsther.
- Nigerians donated over ₦30 million to support her cancer treatment
- Debate continues over faith, medicine and use of public donations
A social media user and cancer patient, Mensah Omolola, popularly known on X as AuntieEsther, has died after weeks of nationwide debate surrounding her medical treatment choices.
Her death was confirmed on Saturday by media personality #AUNTYMUSE_, who supported her throughout her illness.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- How Kidnapped Niger Schoolchildren Were Rescued – Presidency
- FG Explains ₦58.18 Trillion 2026 Budget Increase
- US–Nigeria Ties Remain Strong Despite CPC Listing
EKO HOT BLOG reports that reacting to a post announcing her death by an X user, Tabuko, tweeting as swaggsphotos, who wrote, “Unfortunately, we lost Aunty Esther. Very sad!”, #AUNTYMUSE_ replied, “May her soul rest in peace.”
AuntieEsther became a major public talking point after she openly rejected a blood transfusion recommended by doctors as part of her cancer treatment, citing her religious beliefs as a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The decision triggered intense public debate across Nigeria, raising questions about the balance between religious conviction and life saving medical care.
Following widespread appeals, Nigerians donated over ₦30 million to support her treatment. The fundraising effort was coordinated by charity advocate Wisdom Obi Dickson, popularly known on X as #Wizarab10, who announced on December 1, 2025, that ₦30.7 million had been raised.
In earlier updates, AuntieEsther said medical tests showed the cancer was limited to her breast and armpit areas. She explained that doctors planned to commence chemotherapy but advised that her blood levels needed to improve first.
“My organs inside fine. Doc say she want to start chemotherapy but I go take injection,” she wrote, noting that her family opted for alternatives to boost her blood count without transfusion.
The situation became more controversial after Obi Dickson disclosed that her church warned of possible disciplinary action, including disfellowship, if she accepted a blood transfusion.
According to him, doctors offered two treatment options, one involving transfusion and another longer and more expensive alternative that avoided it.
“Though it will take longer and cost more, we have to respect her religious beliefs,” he said.
Public opinion remained divided, with some questioning the continued use of donated funds after medical advice was declined.
FURTHER READING
- President Lauds DSS Leadership for Positive Media Engagement
- Naira Set to Strengthen, Borrowing Ratesto Fall in Next Six Months – CBN Survey
- New Nigerian Tax Laws to Boost Investment and Fiscal Stability, – FIRS
