Popular Skit Maker Dies After Fibroid Surgery Amid Doctors’ Strike

Esther Thomas, the Nigerian skit maker popularly known as Sunshine, has died.

The heartbreaking news was confirmed by her family in a post shared on her Instagram page on Saturday. According to the statement, Sunshine passed away on Friday after complications arising from a failed surgery for fibroid.

Announcing her death, the family expressed deep pain and shock over the sudden loss.

“We the family of Esther Thomas (A.K.A Sunshine) with pain in our heart we regret to announce the sudden demise of our beloved sister and daughter Esther Thomas who suddenly passed away on the 9th of January 2026 after an unsuccessful surgery,” the statement read.

“She had fibroid and was operated on so she couldn’t make it so we are trying to put things in place so we could put her to rest.”

Further details about Sunshine’s health struggles were shared by fellow content creator Chidera Madu, who recounted the events leading to her death. In a Facebook post, he explained that Sunshine first complained of stomach pain on December 28, 2025.

According to him, her condition became worse days later, and medical tests showed she had fibroid.

He said she was first taken to Orchid General Hospital, where she was admitted and placed on medication. However, unknown to them at the time, she was only receiving pain relief because doctors at the hospital were on strike.

“On December 28, 2025 she complained of stomach pain, which worsened by January 1, leading to her hospitalisation. Several scans and tests were carried out, and doctors said she had fibroid that had grown significantly. She was admitted and placed on medication at Orchid General Hospital,” he said.

“However, unknown to us at the time, she was only being given pain relief because the doctors meant to treat her were on strike.”

He further explained that he became concerned about the lack of medical attention and decided to move her to another hospital on January 2.

“On January 2, I noticed there was no doctor on duty and questioned a nurse, who said a doctor was on the way. I then decided to move her to another hospital, where treatment continued using the scan results from the previous facility.”

Chidera added that as Sunshine’s pain intensified, doctors at the new hospital advised surgery, which was carried out.

“As the pain worsened, doctors advised that she undergo surgery, which was performed yesterday.

“According to the doctor, the surgery was successful, but she later developed complications that led to her death.”

Sunshine’s passing has sparked widespread grief across social media, with fans and colleagues mourning the loss of the vibrant skit maker whose work brought laughter to many.

Advertisements