Reality TV star Tacha Akide has weighed in on the controversy surrounding X (formerly Twitter) user Omolola Mensah, popularly known as Aunty Esther, who recently rejected a medically recommended blood transfusion as part of her cancer treatment.

Aunty Esther, a committed member of a prominent religious organisation, was diagnosed with breast cancer that had spread to her armpit. Doctors advised chemotherapy, which would require blood transfusions to stabilise her blood levels — but her church doctrine forbids transfusion, considering it equivalent to “consuming blood.”

₦30.7 million fundraiser sparks outrage

A crowdfunding campaign led by media personality Wisdom Obi-Dickson raised ₦30,776,252, with major donations including ₦5 million from Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen. Many supporters contributed based on Omolola’s reputation as a dependable personal shopper on the platform.

However, Obi-Dickson revealed on Friday that Omolola declined the transfusion, citing her religious beliefs. He later stepped down from coordinating the fundraiser, noting complications such as alleged threats of disfellowshipping from her church and her family’s stance that “God’s will” would prevail.

He further claimed that Omolola tried to pressure a caregiver into lying about her decision and described her as “not a good or honest person.”

Tacha: ‘Let people who want to die, die’

Reacting on X, Tacha delivered a blunt critique, arguing that it is pointless to force medical care on someone who refuses it:

“Honestly y’all, if somebody wants to die, I don’t see the argument. You people 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 pure madness.”

She also accused Aunty Esther of past insensitivity on social media:

“She has consistently shown recklessness and a lack of care over the years. Even when there’s a serious issue or a family mourning on Twitter, she’ll be there advertising her business with no empathy.”

Tacha criticised what she described as hypocrisy in accepting some religious allowances while rejecting life‑saving treatment:

“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?”

‘Use the ₦30 million for people who want to live’ — Tacha

The reality star argued that the funds raised for Omolola could have a far greater impact elsewhere:

“That ₦30 million can save 50–100 lives in today’s Nigeria! Just channel the funds to people who want to live, and let those who want to die do so in peace.”

The situation has sparked widespread debate online, splitting public opinion between respecting religious convictions, donor rights, and the ethics of medical refusal.