Lifestyle & Wellness DeskJehovah’s Witness Cancer Patient Faces Backlash After Rejecting Blood Transfusion Despite Receiving ₦30m Donations
A cancer patient and social media user, Mensah Omolola popularly known on X as AuntieEsther has ignited widespread debate after refusing a doctor-recommended blood transfusion, citing her beliefs as a Jehovah’s Witness. The decision has drawn criticism from Nigerians, especially following the more than ₦30 million raised publicly for her treatment.
The fundraising was led by charity advocate Wisdom Obi-Dickson (@Wizarab10), who confirmed that ₦30.7 million had been collected as of December 1, 2025.
In an update posted on her X account, Omolola said recent tests showed the cancer remained localized in her breast and armpit. She wrote:
“My results don come out… 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 added that her doctor accepted the decision and would proceed gradually with her treatment plan. She also thanked Nigerians for their support, writing: “I appreciate everybody. Thank you… I am getting better. God bless.”
Church Threatens Disciplinary Action
The situation escalated after Obi-Dickson revealed that Omolola’s church had warned she could face disciplinary measures including possible disfellowshipping if she accepted a transfusion.
According to him, doctors presented two options:
- A transfusion-supported procedure, which was affordable with the current funds, and
- A more expensive alternative designed to avoid transfusion.
Omolola chose the second option in line with her religious doctrine.
Obi-Dickson wrote that although this route would prolong treatment and significantly increase costs, her choice must be respected. He stressed that all donations would continue to be used exclusively for her medical expenses.
However, he later expressed frustration, saying Omolola, her family, and church leaders were “uncompromising” in rejecting transfusion under any circumstance. He suggested that if religious convictions outweighed medical advice, it might be best for her church community to assume responsibility for future decisions.
Supporters and Critics Clash Online
Another supporter, media personality #AUNTYMUSE_, confirmed that Omolola’s refusal of transfusion was made clear from the outset even before donations began. She said doctors had provided two viable pathways and Omolola deliberately chose the non-transfusion option.
Still, many Nigerians expressed anger, arguing that the donated funds should be redirected to other patients in urgent need.
X user @Tmama_toma wrote:
“She should leave the hospital and go to church for deliverance. Use the money for people who actually want treatment. Or return everything.”
Another user, Hud Adeyinka Katayeyanjue, argued:
“Belief shouldn’t end the life God is sustaining… Sometimes the most spiritual decision is to stay alive.”
Reality TV star Tacha (Simply Tacha) criticized the situation bluntly:
“If someone wants to die, let the person be… This isn’t religion anymore it’s madness.”
Donation Transparency and Controversy Over Spending
Obi-Dickson has continued to share financial updates to demonstrate transparency. In his latest post, he displayed a receipt showing ₦74,000 spent on soup and delivery after Omolola requested her preferred meal.
He noted that the remaining balance as of December 1 stood at ₦30,776,252.
“Aunty Esther wanted soup… That’s the bill. Thank you for your kindness,” he wrote.
The case has intensified national debate on the balance between religious conviction and life-saving medical care, especially when public donations are involved. Many Nigerians have questioned whether faith-based decisions should affect the use of funds contributed with the intention of preserving life.
