A young Nigerian man has ignited a significant online conversation after recounting a deeply troubling discussion he had with popular figure Aunty Esther during a hospital visit. The conversation, which left the visitor visibly angry, centered on Aunty Esther's firm refusal to undergo a medically recommended blood transfusion as part of her cancer treatment.
The Hospital Encounter That Sparked Outrage
The man, who shared his experience on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) via his handle @Buchi_Laba, detailed the meeting that took place on December 5, 2025. He explained that during the visit, Aunty Esther was unequivocal about her stance. According to his post, she told him, "I met Aunty Esther at the hospital the first day and she explained to me that she will rather di* than do blood transfusion… That there’s a backup Jehovah’s Witness usually use."
This declaration, rooted in her religious beliefs as a Jehovah's Witness, left the young man both confused and furious. He expressed his conflicted emotions, stating, "I was really angry but have to respect her decision but still do not understand it. It’s crazy." His post comes amid confirmed reports that Aunty Esther, supported by her husband and church, has vowed to reject the procedure.
Public Backlash and a Supporter's Withdrawal
The controversy is not happening in a vacuum. The man's revelation followed closely on the heels of another significant development: a key individual named Dickson stepped down from supporting Aunty Esther's fundraiser due to her decision. This withdrawal highlights the practical and ethical dilemmas posed by her choice, placing additional strain on her support network.
The story, originally reported by Legit.ng, has since gone viral, prompting Nigerians from all walks of life to weigh in on the complex intersection of faith, medicine, and personal autonomy.
Nigerians React: A Nation Divided
The comment section under the man's post became a battleground of opinions, reflecting a wider national debate.
Some users urged acceptance and respect for Aunty Esther's choice. User @Gift_Janoy commented, "The thing is, Aunty Esther has made her choice and she has made peace with it, it's time everybody wish her well and move on. You can't save someone who doesn't want to be saved."
Others expressed frustration and sorrow over the influence of religious doctrine on life-and-death medical decisions. @DamilareABK shared a painful anecdote: "This is what killed one woman in my street after a successful surgery. She is also a Jehovah witness. The woman dead pain me gan." Similarly, @AdeyemiSijuwade questioned, "Naso one Aunty Pai for my Street, At the point of Death, she rejected blood transfusion.. I com dey wonder If that their church is more important than Life."
The discussion also included attempts to understand the doctrine. @wealth_akorede asked for education: "Aside from all this pls, we learn everyday o. Can anyone pls school me esp. on the reasons this JW folks refuses blood transfusion n all sorts?" Meanwhile, some offered a more nuanced view of Jehovah's Witnesses' medical stance. @fibonachiking pointed out, "...witnesses are permitted to take fractions of blood , some plasmas for treatment and they also have a committee that helps them find modern no blood treatment doctors."
The incident has also reignited calls for legal intervention. User @anasuachara argued strongly, "This is totally naive. What religion has done to us can never be underestimated. Our courts should go further by not only ordering compulsory transfusion in case of an infant, to adults."
This is not an isolated case in Nigeria. Legit.ng recently covered the tragic death of a mother of three who died after refusing a blood transfusion based on her beliefs. In another report, a pregnant woman allegedly died after a Caesarean section because a hospital declined to administer a transfusion due to her religious convictions.
The story of Aunty Esther's hospital visit transcends a single celebrity health update. It has become a poignant case study, forcing a national conversation about the limits of faith, the right to choose one's medical path, and the collective heartache of watching someone choose a principle over a potentially life-saving procedure.
