Jehovah’s Witness Cancer Patient Rejects Blood Transfusion After ₦30m Donations, Donors Fight Back

• Cancer patient and social media user, Mensah Omolola, popularly known as AuntieEsther, has declined a blood transfusion recommended by doctors, insisting on an alternative treatment due to her beliefs as a Jehovah’s Witness.

A cancer patient and popular social media user, Mensah Omolola, widely known online as AuntieEsther, has sparked controversy after rejecting a blood transfusion proposed as part of her treatment.

Her refusal is informed by her beliefs as a Jehovah’s Witness, a stance that has generated strong reactions, particularly because she has received more than ₦30 million in public donations for medical care.

The fundraising was coordinated by charity advocate Wisdom Obi-Dickson, known on X as @Wizarab10, who confirmed that over ₦30.7 million had been raised as of December 1, 2025.

In a recent update shared on her X account, Omolola said medical tests showed her cancer was confined to her breast and armpit. She added that doctors had recommended starting chemotherapy.

“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 wey go boost my blood,” she wrote, expressing gratitude to her supporters.

Doctors reportedly accepted her decision while beginning treatment to improve her blood count before chemotherapy.

However, tensions escalated when Obi-Dickson disclosed that Omolola’s church had warned she could face disciplinary measures, including possible disfellowship, if she accepted a blood transfusion.

According to him, two medical pathways were presented: a transfusion-supported method within current budget, or a more expensive non-transfusion alternative. She opted for the latter in line with her beliefs.

“Though it will take longer and cost more, we have to respect her religious beliefs,” Obi-Dickson said.

He later expressed frustration, adding that Omolola, her family and church leadership rejected transfusion regardless of medical advice, suggesting they might assume financial responsibility if the stance continued.

Another supporter, @AUNTYMUSE_, confirmed that Omolola’s position on transfusion was clearly stated from the start, even before donations were raised.

Despite this, many Nigerians reacted with anger, arguing that donations should be redirected to other patients.

One user, #Tmama_toma, tweeted:
“She should rather leave the hospital then and move to church fully for deliverance… Alternatively, return all the money donated.”

Another, Hud Adeyinka Katayeyanjue, wrote:
“Belief shouldn’t end the life God is still sustaining. Choosing treatment isn’t faithlessness, it’s stewardship.”

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Reality TV star Natacha Akide (Simply Tacha) also weighed in, describing the situation as “pure madness.”

Meanwhile, Obi-Dickson has continued to provide full transparency on the funds.
In one update, he shared a receipt showing ₦74,000 spent after Omolola requested a specific type of soup, her preferred meal. He noted that the remaining balance was ₦30,776,252 as at December 1, 2025.

The controversy has intensified debate around the role of faith in life-saving medical decisions, especially where large public donations are involved, with many questioning who should make the final call — doctors, families, or religious doctrine.