Mensah Omolola, a social media user and cancer patient popularly known on X as AuntieEsther, has passed away after a prolonged illness that drew nationwide attention and controversy over her medical choices.
Her death was confirmed on Saturday by media personality #AUNTYMUSE_, who offered consistent support throughout her treatment. Reacting to a post announcing her passing by an X user, Tabuko, tweeting as swaggsphotos, “Unfortunately, we lost Aunty Esther.Very Sad!”, #AUNTYMUSE_ responded, “May her soul rest in peace 🙏🙏.”
AuntieEsther became a subject of intense public discussion after she openly declined a blood transfusion recommended by doctors as part of her cancer treatment, citing her religious beliefs as a Jehovah’s Witness. The situation attracted widespread sympathy and support, leading to donations exceeding ₦30 million from Nigerians to help fund her medical care.
The fundraising was largely coordinated by charity advocate Wisdom Obi-Dickson, widely known on X as #Wizarab10, who announced that ₦30.7 million had been raised as of December 1, 2025.
In earlier updates shared on her X account, AuntieEsther disclosed that medical tests showed the cancer was restricted to her breast and armpit regions. She explained that doctors had proposed chemotherapy but needed her blood levels to improve before treatment could begin.
“My organs inside fine. Doc say she want to start chemotherapy but I go take injection,” she wrote, adding that she and her family had chosen alternative medical options aimed at boosting her blood count without blood transfusion. She also thanked those who supported her, saying, “I appreciate everybody. Thank you #Wizarab10 and #the_beardsina. God bless.”
The issue later became more contentious after Obi-Dickson revealed that her church had warned her against accepting a blood transfusion, reportedly threatening disciplinary action, including disfellowship. According to him, doctors presented two treatment paths: one involving blood transfusion, which was affordable within the donated funds, and another transfusion-free option that would take longer and cost more.
“Though it will take longer and cost more, we have to respect her religious beliefs,” Obi-Dickson said at the time. He later expressed dissatisfaction, noting that despite repeated medical advice, AuntieEsther, her family and church leaders remained resolute in rejecting blood transfusion under any circumstances, adding that this stance implied they should accept greater responsibility for the outcome.
Meanwhile, #AUNTYMUSE_ clarified that AuntieEsther’s refusal of blood transfusion was known from the beginning, even before donations commenced. She added that doctors had indicated the alternative, non-transfusion treatment could still be effective.
The development sparked strong reactions across social media, with some Nigerians arguing that donated funds should have been redirected to other patients if recommended life-saving medical interventions were being declined.
