…She’s safe in Liberia’ — family
The family of Opral Benson, the Iya Oge of Lagos, has declared her missing.
In a notice released on Sunday, the family revealed Benson,90, was last seen on January 13, 2026 and has not returned home since then.
Describing the situation as time-sensitive, the family appealed to the public for any information that could help locate her.
“The family reports that Mama Opral Benson has been missing since Tuesday, January 13, 2026. She has not returned home and her current whereabouts are unknown,” the notice reads.”
“Anyone who has seen her, or has any information, no matter how small, is urged to contact us immediately.
“Call 08037039214. Alternatively, please report to the nearest police station. This is time-sensitive. Please share immediately.”
She was married to former Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Culture in the first post-independence government, Chief Theophilus Benson (also known as T.O.S. Benson) from 1962 until his d3ath in 2008.
Meanwhile, The family of Opral Benson, the Iya Oge of Lagos, has dismissed claims that she is missing, saying she is currently out of the country.
A source close to the family told Salient Times 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 missing notice may have been issued due to a communication gap within the family, adding that the person who circulated it may not have been informed of the trip.
The source added that Precious, Benson’s daughter, is currently with her in Liberia, while Bimbo Cardoso, who shared the notice online, is her stepdaughter.
“Bimbo, who put the notice out, has been described as drama queen. Maybe she wasnt told before they left,” the source said.
“Precious is Opral Benson’s daughter. Bimbo Cardoso is a stepdaughter.”
The African Refugees Foundation (AREF) also confirmed that Benson, who serves as its president, is “alive, safe and not missing”.
In a statement, Olujimi Olusola, chief executive officer of AREF, said Benson is “hale and hearty” and there was no cause for concern.
“AREF confirms that Mrs. Benson is currently in Liberia, her presence there is voluntary and known,” the statement reads.
“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 Foundation remains committed to promoting truth, protecting the dignity of individuals under its care, and ensuring that accurate information is made available to the public.”
Benson, born on February 7, 1935, is an American-Liberian and Nigerian entrepreneur and socialite who holds the chieftaincy title of Iya Oge of Lagos.
She has been active in fashion, beauty, and public service, including serving as Liberia’s honorary consul in Lagos.
