The family of Opral Benson, the Iya Oge of Lagos, has dismissed earlier reports that she was missing, clarifying that she is currently outside Nigeria on a visit to Liberia.
A missing-person notice circulated on Sunday had claimed that Mrs Benson’s whereabouts were unknown and that she was last seen on January 13, prompting public concern and calls for information to help locate her.
However, a source close to the family clarified on Tuesday that the report was inaccurate.
“Mama Opral is in Liberia visiting family. Precious and her assistant are with her,” the source said.
According to the source, the confusion may have stemmed from a communication gap within the family, further explaining that Precious is Opral Benson’s daughter, while Bimbo Cardoso is a stepdaughter.
The African Refugees Foundation (AREF) also issued a statement confirming that Benson, who serves as its president, is alive, safe and not missing.
In a statement signed by its Chief Executive Officer, Olujimi Olusola III, AREF said the trip was known and voluntary.
“AREF confirms that Mrs Benson is currently in Liberia, her presence there is voluntary and known,” the statement read.
The foundation urged the public and media organisations to disregard the earlier reports and avoid spreading unverified information.
“We urge members of the public, media organizations, and community stakeholders to disregard the false and misleading reports and refrain from spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary alarm,” the statement added.
Opral Benson, born on February 7, 1935, is an American-Liberian and Nigerian entrepreneur and socialite. She holds the prestigious chieftaincy title of Iya Oge of Lagos and was married to the late T.O.S. Benson from 1962 until his death.
Her career spans education, fashion and corporate administration. She is a former university administrator, manages a fashion and beauty school in Lagos, served as a director at Johnson’s Products Nigeria, and was appointed Honorary Consul of Liberia in Lagos in 2012.
The clarification has since calmed public concern following the earlier alarm over her whereabouts.
