A social media user and cancer patient, Mensah Omolola, popular on X as AuntieEsther, has sparked widespread debate after declining a doctor-recommended blood transfusion as part of her treatment.
Her decision, based on her faith as a Jehovah’s Witness, has triggered strong reactions across Nigeria, particularly because she had received over ₦30 million in public donations toward her medical care.
A significant portion of the fundraising was coordinated by charity advocate Wisdom Obi-Dickson, known on X as @Wizarab10, who disclosed that more than ₦30.7 million had been raised as of December 1, 2025.
In an update on her X account, Omolola announced that new medical tests showed the cancer was limited to her breast and armpit areas.
She wrote, “Good morning, good afternoon, good evening. I know say a lot of people want update. I say make I tell una, my result don come out. I thank all of you for your monetary contributions. Doc tell @auntymuse, myself and my husband the results.
“My organs inside fine fine. Doc say she want to start chemotherapy but I go take injection. I respect everyone’s opinion but my family and I choose the injection and food dat go boost my blood.
“Doc accept my decision and she say she go follow me but nah small small e go reach when I go start the chemo. I will be on treatment to boost the blood count and chemo will start.”
She also expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their overwhelming support.
She wrote, “I appreciate everybody. Thank you #Wizard10 and #the_beardsina. I am getting better. God bless.”
The situation escalated after Obi-Dickson announced that Omolola’s church had warned she could face disciplinary measures, including possible disfellowship, if she accepted a transfusion. He explained that doctors had presented two treatment pathways—one requiring a transfusion and within the current budget, and another much costlier but aligned with her refusal of blood.
He added that she chose the latter based on her religious doctrine.
He wrote, “Thanks to you all who have been supportive with donations and care for Aunty Esther. The latest update is that she is responding to care. Her blood levels are being optimised for the next phase of care.”
He added that although the alternative treatment would take longer and cost more, her choice must be respected.
All donations, he said, would continue to fund Omolola’s medical care alone. “She was offered the option of a blood transfusion before she could begin chemo but she declined due to her faith. She is a Jehovah’s Witness and thus opting for another alternative.
“Though it will take longer and cost more, we have to respect her religious beliefs,” he added.
Obi-Dickson later voiced frustration, saying that despite medical advice, Omolola, her family and church leaders insisted on rejecting transfusion under any circumstance. He suggested that since their religious stance supersedes medical recommendations, they may need to assume full responsibility going forward.
Another media personality, #AUNTYMUSE_, who has supported Omolola since the treatment began, confirmed that her refusal of transfusion was made clear even before fundraising commenced. She explained that doctors offered two treatment routes and Omolola intentionally chose the non-transfusion option, which doctors agreed could still be effective.
However, the development angered many online commentators.
They argued that the funds should be redirected to patients in urgent need, saying donations were meant to preserve a life—not support a choice that could worsen her condition.
Toma To Shun, tweeting as #Tmama_toma, wrote, “She should rather leave the hospital then and move to church fully for deliverance. While money donated is used for other people in need of treatment and support. Alternatively, return all the money donated to all contributors.”
Another X user, Hud Adeyinka Katayeyanjue, tweeting as #Hud Adeyinka Katayeyanjue, wrote, “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, also reacted, expressing disbelief over Omolola’s stance.
In a post on her X account, she wrote, “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.”
Meanwhile, Obi-Dickson continued to provide transparent updates regarding the donations. In his latest post, he shared evidence of the remaining balance after Omolola requested that a portion be used to purchase food. She reportedly asked for a particular soup, her preferred meal since she mostly eats swallow, and the cost—including delivery—totalled ₦74,000.
Sharing the receipt, he added, “Aunty Esther 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.”
The controversy continues to stir public debate over the intersection of faith, modern medicine and public fundraising, with many Nigerians questioning how religious convictions should influence life-saving medical decisions—especially when supported by community donations.
