X influencer, Aunty Esther, succumbs to breast cancer after rejecting treatment over religion

Abdullateef Fowewe

Popular pepper vendor and social media sensation Aunty Esther has passed away after a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful battle with breast cancer.

The news, confirmed by close family members and widely shared across platforms, has left fans and followers in mourning.

Aunty Esther, whose vibrant market stall videos and infectious personality amassed a huge online following, reportedly turned down several conventional medical treatments during her illness.

As a devoted Jehovah’s Witness, she declined interventions like blood transfusions, adhering strictly to her religious convictions.

Despite these choices, her condition worsened over time, leading to her death on Saturday.

The announcement rippled quickly through social media, sparking an emotional flood of tributes.

Netizens shared memories of her lively content, with posts like “Aunty Esther brought joy to our feeds and markets – rest well, queen” garnering thousands of likes.

Hashtags such as #RIP AuntyEsther and #PepperQueen trended locally, highlighting her impact as both a hawker and influencer.

“Faith is powerful, but so is medicine – let’s talk awareness,” an X user wrote, while others defended personal autonomy in medical choices.