Outrage has trailed the decision of Lagos-based breast cancer patient, Mensah Omolola — known on X as Auntie Esther — to reject a medically advised blood transfusion, weeks after Nigerians donated over N30m for her treatment.
The 38-year-old, a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, is currently receiving care at the Lakeshore Cancer Centre in Lagos. Her case drew national attention in November after a viral video showed her appealing for financial support to begin treatment.
Before this, a video she posted in October had triggered mixed reactions, with some users questioning her authenticity. Responding to doubts, she wrote: “People wey say I’m a scammer, thank you… People that say she wan use the money on herself, thank you.”
Following public appeals, prominent X users — Dr Olusina Ajidahun (@the_beardedsina), Wisdom Obi-Dickson (@Wizarab10), @AUNTYMUSE_, and @Nimisioluwa — took up her case. Nigerians were moved after seeing her deteriorating health, captured in a before-and-after photo showing severe weight loss. A total of N30,850,252 was eventually raised through a donation drive coordinated by Obi-Dickson.
But the mood shifted sharply on Friday when Omolola announced she would not accept a blood transfusion, citing her beliefs as a Jehovah’s Witness. Her doctors had recommended transfusion before chemotherapy, but she said she preferred to rely on injections and supplements to boost her blood count.
She wrote: “I respect everyone’s opinion, but I and my family choose the injection and food wey go boost my blood. Doc accept my decision.”
The announcement triggered widespread outrage, with many arguing that donors were not informed she would reject a crucial part of her treatment.
Obi-Dickson accused her of withholding key information:
“She refused to disclose that she was asked to do a blood transfusion but declined. It was important she told the public.”
He added that after weeks of emotional drain, he and others had withdrawn from her case, stressing that her family insisted they would accept “God’s will” while rejecting transfusion.
Aunty Muse, who reportedly cared for Omolola at the hospital, received praise online but was also accused by some of enabling the decision — an allegation she denied.
Medical experts fear that refusing a transfusion may reduce her chances of surviving upcoming chemotherapy, known to lower blood levels.
Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide are known for rejecting whole-blood transfusions based on biblical interpretation. While non-blood alternatives exist, refusal of transfusion has been a long-standing source of controversy in Nigeria and globally.
The issue has now sharply divided Nigerians. Some argue the donated funds should be redirected to another patient willing to undergo full treatment. Others insist that her religious freedom — as a Jehovah’s Witness — must be respected.
Investigative journalist David Hundeyin criticised her stance, describing it as harmful “religious conditioning,” while Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw accused the community of leaving her unsupported until outsiders stepped in.
Meanwhile, some Jehovah’s Witnesses online defended the denomination, insisting that Witnesses are “well supported internally” and should not need to seek public aid — a claim many Nigerians strongly contested.
Medical professionals emphasised that patients have a legal right to refuse treatment on religious grounds. Doctors cannot administer transfusions without consent, except in cases involving minors, as seen in a 2020 incident where Lagos State obtained a court order to save a newborn whose Jehovah’s Witness parents rejected transfusion.
As debates continue, Omolola remains hospitalised and is expected to begin chemotherapy under a “modified plan,” though supporters say they remain uncertain about what lies ahead.
