Mensah Omolola, known online as Aunty Esther, has died after a prolonged battle with breast cancer, weeks after her case sparked national debate over faith-based treatment choices and public donations. The social media user rejected a recommended blood transfusion due to her Jehovah’s Witness beliefs, opting for an alternative path that drew widespread criticism. Nigerians mourn her passing, with over ₦30 million raised for her care.
Mensah Omolola, popularly known as Aunty Esther on X (formerly Twitter), passed away on December 27, 2025, following her struggle with breast cancer. The news broke on Saturday night when @AUNTYMUSE_ quoted a post announcing her death, writing, “May her soul rest in peace.” Fundraiser @Wizarab10, who coordinated donations, responded, “It is well. Peaceful rest to her.”
Aunty Esther’s story gained traction earlier in December when social media appeals for treatment funds drew over ₦30 million in donations. By December 1, 2025, @Wizarab10 reported ₦30.7 million raised, with a balance of ₦30,776,252. Medical tests showed the cancer was confined to her breast and armpit, with her organs described as “fine fine.” Doctors recommended chemotherapy but advised boosting her blood levels first via transfusion, which she declined due to her faith as a Jehovah’s Witness.
Her family chose injections and nutrition to raise blood counts instead. @Wizarab10 revealed the church threatened disfellowship for accepting a transfusion. Doctors offered two paths: a quicker, cheaper option with transfusion, feasible within raised funds, or a longer, costlier no-transfusion route, which she selected. This decision ignited online backlash, with reality star Tacha calling it “pure madness.” Despite criticism questioning the use of donations, @Wizarab10 insisted funds went solely to treatment, sharing receipts like ₦74,000 for soup and delivery, as Aunty Esther preferred swallow foods.
Her death highlights tensions between religious convictions and medical advice in Nigeria, where public fundraising often intersects with personal beliefs. Supporters followed her updates closely, and reactions poured in expressing grief and reflection on her journey.
