Cancer patient ‘AuntieEsther’ passes away after declining blood transfusion

A Nigerian cancer patient and social media figure, Mensah Omolola, widely known as AuntieEsther on X (formerly Twitter), has died following a highly publicised struggle with cancer.

Her death was confirmed on Saturday, December 27, 2025, by a media supporter identified as #AUNTYMUSE_, who had been actively involved in her care.
AuntieEsther’s case attracted nationwide attention in recent months after she publicly declined a blood transfusion recommended by her doctors as part of her cancer treatment. She based her decision on her religious convictions as a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, a stance that ignited extensive debate online around faith, medical ethics, and patients’ rights to make personal health choices.
During her illness, Nigerians rallied around her, donating more than ₦30 million to support her treatment. The fundraising effort was coordinated by charity advocate Wisdom Obi-Dickson, popularly known on X as #Wizarab10.
Despite the funds raised and medical guidance provided, AuntieEsther and her family opted for treatment approaches that did not involve blood transfusion, in line with her beliefs.
Updates previously shared on her social media platforms indicated that the cancer was located in her breast and armpit areas, with doctors advising that her blood levels be improved before chemotherapy could begin. She, however, chose alternative methods to boost her blood count without transfusion.
News of her passing has continued to generate reactions across social media, with many expressing grief and reflecting on her journey, while discussions persist on the delicate balance between religious beliefs and medical intervention.