A Nigerian social media user and cancer patient, Mensah Omolola, popularly known on X (formerly Twitter) as @AuntieEsther, has reportedly died after weeks of intense public debate surrounding her medical treatment choices.
Her death was confirmed on Saturday by media personality #AUNTYMUSE_, who had supported her during her illness. Responding to a post announcing the news, she wrote:
“May her soul rest in peace.”
Illness and nationwide debate
AuntieEsther became a national talking point after she publicly declined a doctor-recommended blood transfusion during cancer treatment, citing her religious beliefs as a Jehovah’s Witness.
Her decision sparked a nationwide discussion on the balance between religious conviction, patient autonomy, ethics, and life-saving medical procedures.
Following appeals for help, Nigerians collectively donated over ₦30 million for her treatment, with fundraising coordinated by charity advocate Wisdom Obi-Dickson (@Wizarab10), who announced that ₦30.7 million had been raised as of December 1, 2025.
Medical updates she shared
In earlier posts, she revealed that test results showed the cancer was confined to her breast and armpit areas and that doctors planned to begin chemotherapy once her blood level improved.
She stated that she opted for non-transfusion methods to boost her blood count, writing:
“Doc say she want to start chemotherapy but I go take injection.”
She also repeatedly expressed gratitude to Nigerians who contributed to her treatment.
Religious pressure controversy
The debate intensified after Obi-Dickson alleged that her church warned she could face disciplinary action (disfellowshipping) if she accepted a transfusion.
According to him, doctors presented two treatment plans:
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one involving blood transfusion, covered within the donations
He said they chose the latter out of respect for her beliefs.
At the same time, #AUNTYMUSE_ stated that her refusal of transfusion had been clearly communicated from the outset, even before fundraising began, and that doctors agreed a non-transfusion pathway remained medically possible.
Public reaction
The situation split public opinion nationwide. Some Nigerians defended her right to religious choice, while others questioned whether funds should continue to be used when life-saving medical advice was being declined.
Messages of grief continue to pour in across social media as Nigerians mourn her passing, while the debate she sparked on faith, medicine, consent, and patient rights remains ongoing.