Social media personality and cancer patient Mensah Omolola, popularly known on X as AuntieEsther, has passed away after weeks of intense public discussion surrounding her medical treatment.
Her death was confirmed on Saturday by media personality #AUNTYMUSE_, who supported her throughout her illness. Responding to a post by an X user, Tabuko, tweeting as swaggsphotos, which read, “Unfortunately, we lost Aunty Esther. Very sad!”, #AUNTYMUSE_ replied, “May her soul rest in peace 🙏🙏.”
AuntieEsther became a national talking point after she publicly declined a blood transfusion recommended by doctors as part of her cancer treatment, citing her religious beliefs as a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Her decision sparked widespread debate across Nigeria, with many weighing religious conviction against medical intervention.
Following public appeals, Nigerians donated over ₦30 million to support her treatment. The fundraising effort was largely coordinated by charity advocate Wisdom Obi-Dickson, popularly known on X as #Wizarab10, who announced on December 1, 2025, that a total of ₦30.7 million had been raised.
In earlier updates, AuntieEsther disclosed that medical tests showed the cancer was limited to her breast and armpit areas. She explained that doctors planned to begin chemotherapy but advised that her blood levels needed improvement beforehand.
“My organs inside fine. Doc say she want to start chemotherapy but I go take injection,” she wrote at the time, adding that she and her family opted for treatment methods aimed at boosting her blood count without transfusion. She also expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their support and generosity.
The situation became more controversial when Obi-Dickson revealed that AuntieEsther’s church had reportedly warned her of possible disciplinary measures, including disfellowship, should she accept a blood transfusion. According to him, doctors offered two treatment options: one involving transfusion that was within the donated funds, and another longer and more expensive alternative that avoided it.
“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, noting that despite repeated medical advice, AuntieEsther, her family, and church leaders maintained their refusal of transfusion under any circumstances.
Meanwhile, #AUNTYMUSE_ clarified that AuntieEsther’s stance against blood transfusion was made clear from the outset, even before fundraising began. She added that doctors had agreed the non-transfusion treatment option could still be effective.
The controversy divided public opinion, with some Nigerians arguing that donated funds should have been redirected to other patients if recommended medical procedures were being declined, while others insisted her beliefs and choices should be respected.