A Nigerian social media user and cancer patient, Mensah Omolola, widely known on X as AuntieEsther, has died after a prolonged battle with cancer that drew national attention and heated public debate.

Her death was confirmed on Saturday by media personality #AUNTYMUSE_, who had been closely involved in supporting her medical journey. The confirmation followed a post by an X user, Tabuko, tweeting as swaggsphotos, who announced, “Unfortunately, we lost Aunty Esther. Very sad!” In response, #AUNTYMUSE_ wrote, “May her soul rest in peace.”

AuntieEsther became a prominent figure online in recent months after she publicly declined a blood transfusion recommended by her doctors as part of her cancer treatment. She explained that the decision was based on her faith as a Jehovah’s Witness, a stance that quickly ignited widespread discussion across Nigeria about religion, medical ethics, and personal choice.

According to reports shared during her treatment, Nigerians donated more than ₦30 million to support her medical care. The fundraising effort was largely coordinated by charity advocate Wisdom Obi-Dickson, known on X as #Wizarab10. He announced that as of December 1, 2025, total donations had reached ₦30.7 million.

In earlier updates on her X account, AuntieEsther disclosed that medical tests showed her cancer was limited to her breast and armpit areas. She said doctors planned to begin chemotherapy but first needed to stabilise her blood levels.

“My organs inside fine. Doc say she want to start chemotherapy but I go take injection,” she wrote, explaining that she and her family had chosen treatment options aimed at improving her blood count without a transfusion. She also expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support, thanking donors and organisers for their generosity.

However, the case later became more contentious after Obi-Dickson revealed that AuntieEsther’s church had warned her of possible disciplinary measures, including disfellowship, if she agreed to receive blood. He said doctors had presented two treatment paths: one involving blood transfusion that was affordable within the donated funds, and another that avoided transfusion but would take longer and cost more.

Obi-Dickson stated that she chose the latter option in line with her religious beliefs, adding at the time that her decision deserved respect, even though it complicated her care. He later voiced frustration, saying that despite repeated medical advice, AuntieEsther, her family, and church leaders maintained a firm refusal of transfusion under any circumstance. He argued that such a position also meant accepting responsibility for the outcome.

Meanwhile, #AUNTYMUSE_ countered claims of misrepresentation, noting that AuntieEsther’s refusal of blood transfusion had been made clear from the outset, even before fundraising began. She added that doctors had agreed the alternative, non-transfusion treatment still had a chance of success.

The situation triggered intense reactions online. While many Nigerians expressed sympathy and respect for AuntieEsther’s faith, others questioned whether donated funds should continue to be used when recommended life-saving medical options were declined. Her death has now brought the debate to a somber close, highlighting the complex intersection of belief, medicine, and public support.