Mensah Omolola, widely known on social media as AuntieEsther, has sparked a nationwide debate after refusing a recommended blood transfusion as part of her cancer treatment, citing her faith as a Jehovah’s Witness.
AuntieEsther’s decision has raised concerns among Nigerians, particularly after more than ₦30 million was raised in public donations for her medical care, a significant amount coordinated by charity advocate Wisdom Obi-Dickson, known on 𝕏 as @Wizarab10.
As of December 1, 2025, Obi-Dickson announced that over ₦30.7 million had been donated to support AuntieEsther’s treatment. In a recent update, AuntieEsther shared that her medical tests confirmed that the cancer was localised to her breast and armpit areas.
“I know a lot of people want an update. My results have come out. I thank all of you for your monetary contributions. The doctor told me and my husband that the results are good,” she wrote in an update shared with her followers.
She continued, “The doctor wants to start chemotherapy, but I will be taking injections first. I respect everyone’s opinion, but my family and I have decided to go with the injections and food to boost my blood. The doctor accepts my decision and will follow me, but chemo will start after my blood count is boosted.”
AuntieEsther also expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their overwhelming support. “Thank you to everyone. I am getting better. God bless you all,” she said.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn when Obi-Dickson revealed that AuntieEsther’s church had warned her that accepting a blood transfusion would lead to disciplinary action, including possible disfellowship.
Obi-Dickson further disclosed that the doctors had presented two treatment options: one involving a blood transfusion, which was within the current budget, and a more expensive alternative that avoided transfusion. AuntieEsther chose the latter to adhere to her religious beliefs.
“She was offered the option of a blood transfusion before she could begin chemotherapy, but she declined due to her faith. She is a Jehovah’s Witness and thus opting for another alternative,” Obi-Dickson explained.
While acknowledging that the decision would prolong her treatment and increase costs, he stated that her religious beliefs must be respected.
Public Reaction: Calls For Refund And Concerns Over Safety
Despite the support and funds raised for her treatment, AuntieEsther’s decision has angered some Nigerians, who argue that the donations were meant to save her life, not support a choice that could endanger it.
Toma To Shun, tweeting as #Tmama_toma, criticised the situation, saying, “She should rather leave the hospital and move to church fully for deliverance. Let the money donated be used for other people in need of treatment and support. Alternatively, return all the money donated to the contributors.”
Another user, Hud Adeyinka Katayeyanjue, tweeting as #Hud Adeyinka Katayeyanjue, argued, “Belief shouldn’t end the life God is still sustaining. Choosing treatment isn’t faithlessness; it’s stewardship. There is no worship in the grave. Sometimes the most spiritual decision is to stay alive long enough to praise God better.”
Reality TV personality Natacha Akide, known as Simply Tacha, expressed disbelief over AuntieEsther’s decision.
“If someone wants to die, I honestly don’t understand the back-and-forth. Let the person be. I don’t get why people are trying to save someone who doesn’t want to be saved. This isn’t religion anymore, it’s pure madness,” she wrote on her 𝕏 account.
Obi-Dickson has continued to provide transparency about the funds raised for Auntie Esther’s treatment. In his latest update, he shared a receipt for the ₦74,000 spent on AuntieEsther’s requested food, a particular kind of soup.
“AuntieEsther wanted soup, since swallow is her go-to. That’s the bill, ₦74k including delivery. Balance brought forward as of December 1, 2025: ₦30,776,252. Thank you for your kindness,” Obi-Dickson shared with his followers.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
