Food vendor and social media user Mensah Omolola, popularly known on X as Aunty Esther, who sparked widespread public debate after rejecting a blood transfusion recommended as part of her cancer treatment, has died.
Her death was confirmed on Saturday by media personality #AUNTYMUSE_, who supported her during her treatment journey.
Reacting to a post announcing her death by an X user, Tabuko, tweeting as swaggsphotos, wrote, “Unfortunately, we lost Aunty Esther. Very Sad!” #AUNTYMUSE_ replied, “May her soul rest in peace 🙏🙏.”
Aunty Esther became widely known after she publicly rejected a blood transfusion recommended by doctors as part of her cancer treatment, citing her faith as a Jehovah’s Witness. Her decision sparked nationwide discussion on religious belief, medical ethics and patient choice.
A fundraising largely coordinated by charity advocate Wisdom Obi-Dickson, popularly known on X as #Wizarab10, reportedly generated ₦30.7 million as of December 1, 2025.
In earlier updates shared on her X account, Aunty Esther said medical tests showed the cancer was confined to her breast and armpit areas. She explained that doctors proposed chemotherapy, but advised that her blood levels needed to be improved before treatment could begin.
“My organs inside fine. Doc say she want to start chemotherapy but I go take injection,” she wrote. She added that she and her family had opted for treatment methods that would boost her blood count without transfusion.
She also thanked Nigerians for their support, saying, “I appreciate everybody. Thank you #Wizarab10 and #the_beardsina. God bless.”
The situation became controversial when Obi-Dickson alleged that Aunty Esther’s church warned her of possible disciplinary action, including disfellowship, if she accepted a blood transfusion.
According to him, doctors presented two treatment options: one involving blood transfusion, which was affordable within the donated funds, and another that avoided transfusion but would take longer and cost more. He said she chose the latter in line with her religious beliefs.
“Though it will take longer and cost more, we have to respect her religious beliefs,” Obi-Dickson said at the time.
He later expressed frustration, stating that despite repeated medical advice, Aunty Esther, her family and church leaders maintained their refusal of blood transfusion under any circumstance. He suggested that their position meant they should bear greater responsibility for the outcome of her care.
In response, #AUNTYMUSE_ clarified that Aunty Esther’s stance against blood transfusion had been clearly stated from the beginning, even before the fundraising began. She added that doctors had agreed that the non-transfusion treatment could still be effective.
The case generated intense reactions online, with some Nigerians arguing that donated funds should be redirected to other patients if recommended lifesaving medical advice was being declined.
