The family of Opral Benson, the Iya Oge of Lagos, has refuted reports suggesting she is missing, clarifying that she is currently outside the country.
A missing-person notice circulated on Sunday claimed that Benson’s whereabouts had been unknown since January 13, noting that she had not returned home.
But a family source told TheCable Lifestyle on Tuesday that the alert was “inaccurate”.
“Mama Opral is in Liberia visiting family. Precious and her assistant are with her,” the source said.
The source added that the notice was likely the result of a communication gap, explaining that the individual who shared it might not have been informed about the trip.
According to the source, Precious, Benson’s daughter travelled with her to Liberia, while Bimbo Cardoso, who posted the notice online, is her stepdaughter.
“Bimbo, who put the notice out, has been described as a drama queen. Maybe she wasn’t told before they left,” the source added.
The African Refugees Foundation (AREF), where Benson serves as president, also confirmed that she is “alive, safe and not missing”.
In a statement, Olujimi Olusola, AREF’s chief executive officer, said Benson is “hale and hearty” and that her stay in Liberia is voluntary and well known to those close to her.
“AREF confirms that Mrs Benson is currently in Liberia. Her presence there is voluntary and known,” the organization said.
“We urge the public and media outlets to disregard false and misleading reports and avoid spreading unverified information that may cause needless alarm.”
Opral Benson, born February 7, 1935, is an American-Liberian and Nigerian entrepreneur and socialite. She holds the prestigious title of Iya Oge of Lagos and was married to T.O.S. Benson from 1962 until his passing. She has long been active in fashion, beauty, and public service, and previously served as Liberia’s honorary consul in Lagos.
