The Nigerian online community is mourning the loss of social media user and cancer patient Mensah Omolola, widely known as Aunty Esther, who passed away after a battle with breast cancer. Her death, confirmed on Saturday night, concludes a health journey that ignited intense national conversations about religious belief, medical treatment, and the ethics of public fundraising.
The Announcement and Online Mourning
News of Aunty Esther's passing first emerged when user Auntymuse (@AUNTYMUSE_) reacted to a post announcing her death. Quoting an earlier message from @swaagsp that read, “Unfortunately, we lost Aunty Esther. Very sad!”, Auntymuse wrote, “May her soul rest in peace.” The post quickly drew an outpouring of condolences from Nigerians who had followed her story closely.
The fundraiser who coordinated donations for her treatment, @Wizarab10, also responded, writing, “It is well. Peaceful rest to her.” His involvement was central to the massive financial support she received from the public.
A Nationwide Controversy Over Faith and Medicine
Aunty Esther's situation captured national attention earlier in December 2025 after appeals for funds to support her cancer treatment circulated on social media. The response was overwhelming, with Nigerians donating over ₦30 million within days. By December 1, 2025, @Wizarab10 disclosed that more than ₦30.7 million had been raised, with a specific balance of ₦30,776,252 recorded.
The controversy erupted when it became public that Aunty Esther, a Jehovah’s Witness, had rejected a blood transfusion recommended by her doctors. She explained this decision was based on her religious convictions. In her health updates, she stated that medical tests showed the cancer was confined to her breast and armpit and that her organs were functioning well.
Doctors had proposed chemotherapy but advised that her blood levels needed improvement first. While her family opted for injections and diet to boost her blood count, a critical decision point emerged. @Wizarab10 later revealed that her church had warned of potential disciplinary action, including disfellowship, if she accepted a transfusion.
Two Paths and a Public Backlash
The medical team presented two options. The first was a procedure involving a blood transfusion that could be performed within the available budget. The second option avoided transfusion but was projected to be longer and more expensive. Remaining true to her faith, Aunty Esther chose the second path.
This choice triggered significant backlash online. Many social media users questioned the rationale of raising public funds if a potentially life-saving medical procedure was being declined. Reality TV star Natacha Akide (Tacha) commented on the situation, calling it “pure madness.”
Throughout the criticism, @Wizarab10 maintained transparency, insisting all donations were used strictly for Aunty Esther's treatment and care. He provided regular expense updates, even sharing a receipt for ₦74,000 for soup and delivery, explaining it was requested as she mostly ate swallow.
Aunty Esther's passing brings a somber end to a case that laid bare the complex intersections of personal faith, modern medicine, and collective public goodwill in Nigeria's digital age.
