Outrage has trailed the decision of a Lagos-based breast cancer patient, Mensah Omolola, popularly known on X as Auntie Esther, to reject a medically advised blood transfusion, weeks after Nigerians rallied to raise over N30m for her treatment.
The 38-year-old, who is a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, is currently receiving care at the Lakeshore Cancer Centre in Lagos.
Her case gained wide attention in November after she appeared in a viral video appealing for financial assistance to begin treatment.
Earlier in October, a video she made to draw attention to her plight raised doubts that she might be faking her illness to rip Nigerians off.
Reacting to comments disparaging the video, she said, “People that say am scammer thank you. People wey say am disappointed thank you, thank you. People that say she wan use d money on herself thank you. People that say no person de patronise me again thank you.”
In another video, she agreed to seek donations from the public, entrusting prominent X users, Dr Olusina Ajidahun (@the_beardedsina), Wisdom Obi-Dickson (@Wizarab10), (@AUNTYMUSE_), and Idanssss (@Nimisioluwa), with the responsibility.
Moved by her deteriorating condition, captured in a “before and after” photo showing significant weight loss, Nigerians donated N30,850,252 through a campaign coordinated by Obi-Dickson, with the support of other well-known X influencers.
However, the mood of Nigerians changed dramatically on Friday when Omolola revealed that she would not accept a blood transfusion, citing her faith as a Jehovah’s Witness.
In a post addressed to her supporters, she said her doctors had recommended chemotherapy, but she would rely on injections and food supplements to boost her blood count instead.
She wrote in part, “I respect everyone’s opinion, but I and my family choose the injection and food wey go boost my blood. Doc accept my decision and say she go follow me.”
Her position immediately sparked outrage, with many Nigerians questioning why public funds were raised if she planned to reject a critical component of her treatment.
Obi-Dickson, who spearheaded the donation drive, accused her of downplaying key details in her public explanation.
According to him, “She deliberately refused to disclose that she was asked to do a blood transfusion, but she refused. It was important she told the public herself.”
He added that after weeks of emotional strain, he and other volunteers had withdrawn from the case.
“Her family have said whatever happens to her is the will of God, while fighting against blood transfusion… It is best we leave her in their care if religion trumps medical science,” he said.
Another supporter, Aunty Muse, who had reportedly spent weeks caring for Omolola at the hospital, was praised by many online users but accused by some of enabling the woman’s decision, a claim she has denied.
There are fears that Omolola’s chances of survival may diminish without a transfusion, especially ahead of chemotherapy sessions known to weaken blood count.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for refusing whole-blood transfusions based on their interpretation of biblical texts, though many opt for non-blood alternatives.
Sunday PUNCH learnt that similar cases have been recorded in Nigeria, involving Jehovah’s Witness adherents who declined transfusion even in life-threatening conditions.
The controversy has now split opinion online. While many Nigerians insist the funds should be redirected to another patient willing to undergo full treatment, others argue that her religious rights must be respected.
For now, Omolola remains in the hospital, preparing for chemotherapy under what doctors described as a “modified plan”, though supporters say they are unsure what comes next.
