Key Points
- Fans raise over ₦30m for Aunty Esther’s cancer care. She still rejects blood transfusion because of strict religious rules.
- Lead fundraiser Sir Dickson steps back after her firm refusal. He says donors must know she chose this path herself.
- Online fans now ask for refunds and clear info. Others urge respect for faith while pleading for her life.
Aunty Esther has sparked strong debate after refusing blood transfusion. The social media figure is battling breast cancer in Lagos. Her choice comes despite fans raising over ₦30m for treatment.
X users raised the money after Sir Dickson shared her story. He posted hospital photos, bank alerts, and regular health updates online. News site YabaLeftOnline later showed the account holding over ₦30m.
Crowdfunded health care has become common among Nigerian stars and fans. This year, a BBNaija Faith fan gift story showed how loyal fans can be. Now, many feel that trust has been shaken by Esther’s stand.
How the fundraising campaign started
According to Sir Dickson, doctors first suspected serious breast cancer this year. He opened a public account and shared the number on X. Donations poured in from Nigeria and abroad within a few days.
He later posted that the balance had crossed ₦30.7m. Receipts showed payments for scans, tests, drugs, and ward fees. One update even showed N74,000 spent on her favourite soup.
A caregiver known as Aunty Muse stayed with her at hospital. Sir Dickson praised her for sleeping on the floor many nights. He said Dr Sina handled medical advice and shared every major update.
Why Aunty Esther rejected transfusion
Trouble started when doctors said she needed blood before chemotherapy. Sir Dickson claims they explained the risk in clear simple terms. However, Esther and her family firmly refused any blood transfusion.
She belongs to Jehovah’s Witnesses and sees transfusion as forbidden. Her church members reportedly warned she could face removal from their group. Relatives also said whatever happened would be God’s will for her.
In her own update, Esther thanked everyone who sent money. She said tests showed cancer in her breast and armpit. She added that her organs looked fine and she felt hopeful.
Esther explained that doctors advised blood before starting chemotherapy injections. She insisted she would rather use injections and food to boost blood. She said she respected all views but chose this path with family.
Donors demand answers on raised funds
As backlash grew, Sir Dickson announced he was stepping aside. He said he and Dr Sina would no longer decide for her. He plans to leave the funds with her family or church leaders.
Some donors compared the case with other calls for big donations. ValidUpdates recently covered a Peter Obi library donation dispute that also raised hard questions. Many now want clear info on how Esther’s fund will move.
On X, some fans calmly asked for refunds from the account. One user simply posted bank details and said she wanted her money. Another said donors sacrificed while her church gave nothing to the bills.
Others argued that she should accept blood since strangers funded treatment. Some used harsh words for her religion, drawing more heated replies. A few voices, however, urged calm and respect for her belief.
Nurse Grace, who met her at hospital, appealed to fellow Witnesses. She asked them to support the more costly treatment Esther prefers. Comedian Buchi Laba said she once told him she would die first.
Before stepping aside, Sir Dickson said doctors were still helping her. He noted that her blood levels were improving for the next phase of care. He promised that every naira would go toward medical bills and hospital support.
The Aunty Esther case shows how faith and health can clash. It also echoes Hilda Baci justice donation story built on deep trust. For now, donors watch as Esther and her church decide next steps
