Reality TV star Tacha Akide has ignited a heated discussion after commenting on the health situation of X (formerly Twitter) personality Omolola Mensah, popularly known as Aunty Esther, who recently declined a medically recommended blood transfusion while battling advanced breast cancer.
Aunty Esther, a devoted Jehovah’s Witness, was diagnosed with breast cancer that had spread to her armpit. Medical experts advised chemotherapy, which usually requires blood transfusions to maintain healthy blood levels.
However, her church strictly prohibits transfusions, equating them to “consuming blood.”
A fundraiser organized by media personality Wisdom Obi-Dickson raised ₦30,776,252 for her treatment, including a ₦5 million donation from Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen. Despite the efforts, Obi-Dickson revealed on Friday that Aunty Esther had refused the transfusion.
He stepped down from coordinating the fundraiser, citing complications such as threats of disfellowshipping from her church, her family insisting the outcome should be left to “God’s will,” and claims that she instructed a caregiver to lie about her decision. Obi-Dickson also described her as “not a good or honest person,” adding to the controversy.
Reacting to the situation, Tacha argued that individuals who refuse life-saving treatment should be allowed to face the consequences of their choices.
She wrote: “Honestly y’all, if somebody wants to die, I don’t see the argument. Y’all should allow the person die. I don’t see reasons trying to save someone who doesn’t want to be saved. This isn’t about religious belief, it’s just pure madness.”
Tacha further criticized Aunty Esther’s behavior on social media and pointed out what she described as contradictions within her faith:
“Isn’t it funny how your religion allows you to lie? If you can lie, you can steal and cheat. Your religion permits all that, but won’t allow a blood transfusion to save your OWN life?”
She also highlighted the potential impact of the funds raised:
“Just channel the funds to people who want to live, and let those who want to die do so in peace.”
Tacha’s comments have reignited debates online about the ethical tension between respecting religious beliefs and prioritizing life-saving medical interventions, drawing mixed reactions from social media users.
