Reactions As Jehovah’s Witness Cancer Patient Rejects Blood Transfusion After ₦30m Donations
Netizens have condemned the stance of a social media user and cancer patient, Mensah Omolola, popularly known on X as AuntieEsther, who rejected a blood transfusion recommended as part of her treatment.
AuntieEsther’s decision, rooted in her faith as a Jehovah’s Witness, has drawn strong reactions from Nigerians, especially after she received more than ₦30 million in public donations for her medical care.
A major part of the fundraising was coordinated by charity advocate, Wisdom Obi-Dickson, known on X as @Wizarab10, who announced that over ₦30.7 million had been raised as of December 1, 2025.
In an update shared on her X account, she explained that recent medical tests confirmed the cancer was confined 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 appreciated Nigerians for the overwhelming financial support.
She wrote, “I appreciate everybody. Thank you #Wizard10 and #the_beardsina. I am getting better. God bless.”
However, the situation took a dramatic turn when Obi-Dickson revealed that AuntieEsther’s church had warned she would face disciplinary action, including possible disfellowship, if she accepted a blood transfusion.
According to him, doctors presented two treatment options, a transfusion-supported procedure well within the current budget or a far more expensive method that avoids transfusion.
He added that she opted for the second in line with 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 decision would prolong treatment and increase costs, it had to be respected.
All donations, he said, would be directed strictly towards AuntieEsther’s medical bills and ongoing care.
“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 expressed frustration, noting that despite medical advice, AuntieEsther, her family and church leaders insisted on refusing transfusion under any circumstance.
He suggested that since their religious stance outweighs medical recommendations, it might be best for them to take full responsibility going forward.
Another media personality, #AUNTYMUSE_, who has supported AuntieEsther throughout her treatment, confirmed that her stance against transfusion was made clear from the beginning, even before the fundraising started.
She noted that two treatment pathways were offered and AuntieEsther intentionally chose the non-transfusion option, which doctors agreed could still work.
However, netizens who reacted to the news argued that the funds should be redirected to other patients in urgent need, insisting that donations were intended to save a life, not to support a choice that could endanger it.
An X user, Toma To Shun, 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, 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.”
In her reaction, Reality TV personality, Natacha Akide, widely known as Simply Tacha, expressed disbelief and frustration over the patient’s decision.
Akide in a post on her X account, 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.”
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
