Nigeria is buzzing with controversy after Mensah Omolola, better known as AuntieEsther on social media, shocked the nation by refusing a medically recommended blood transfusion,even though over ₦30 million was raised for her cancer treatment by well-meaning Nigerians. Her decision has thrown the country into a heated debate, exposing the sometimes messy intersection of faith, medicine, and public generosity.

AuntieEsther, a self-proclaimed devout Jehovah’s Witness, has been openly sharing her cancer journey online. Her refusal of a life-saving transfusion,recommended by doctors and funded by the public,has left many questioning whether personal religious beliefs should trump science, especially when public donations are on the line.

The fundraising campaign, led by activist Wisdom Obi-Dickson, was initially celebrated as a triumph of compassion and community. Nigerians nationwide rallied behind Omolola, pouring money into her treatment fund with hopes of saving her life. But everything changed when she publicly declared she would not be taking a transfusion, despite medical advice and the millions raised just for that purpose.

In her own words, Omolola said, “I respect everyone’s opinion but my family and I choose the injection and food that will boost my blood.” She told her followers her doctors agreed to her wishes,although reluctantly,and that she would pursue alternative, slower treatments instead of the proven, immediate solution offered by modern medicine.

The backlash was swift and unrelenting. Nigerians took to social media to express their anger, frustration, and disappointment, arguing that her decision not only puts her life at risk but also wastes the hard-earned money donated by the public. Many are now demanding that the funds be returned or redirected to patients willing to follow medical advice.

To make matters worse, revelations emerged that Omolola’s church had threatened her with disfellowship if she accepted a transfusion. Obi-Dickson, who spearheaded the appeal, admitted feeling frustrated, pointing out that Omolola’s chosen path will cost even more and take longer,eating into the donated funds without guaranteeing better results. He even suggested that perhaps Omolola, her family, and her church should take full responsibility going forward.

Other supporters claimed that Omolola’s stance on transfusions was clear from the start, but this has done little to quell the outrage. Many still feel misled, questioning whether they would have donated had they known the risks involved with refusing standard treatment.

Social media exploded with hot takes, with some users calling for the full return of donations and others accusing Omolola of putting faith before her own life. “She should rather leave the hospital then and move to church fully for deliverance. While money donated is used for other people in need of treatment and support. Alternatively, return all the money donated to all contributors,” one user demanded.

Public figures jumped on the bandwagon. Reality TV star Simply Tacha didn’t hold back: “If someone wants to die, I honestly don’t understand the back-and-forth. Let the person be. I don’t get why people are trying to save someone who doesn’t want to be saved. This isn’t religion anymore , it’s pure madness.”

Meanwhile, supporters tried to do damage control, insisting all spending is transparent. Obi-Dickson recently posted a breakdown showing the purchase of ₦74,000 worth of soup for Omolola, as if Nigerians needed a reminder of where their donations were ending up.

The whole saga has now raised serious questions: Should there be stricter rules on how crowdfunded donations are used? Should donors be entitled to a refund if recipients refuse recommended care?

For now, AuntieEsther’s story stands as a symbol of the chaos that can ensue when faith clashes with medicine and millions of naira are at stake. As Nigerians watch and argue, one thing is clear: this debate is far from over,and public trust in online fundraising may never be the same.