The family of Opral Benson, the Iya Oge of Lagos, has dismissed the news that she is missing. A family statement released on Tuesday regarding the Lagos socialite stated that she had travelled to her country of birth, Liberia.
A missing person notice released on Sunday had claimed that Benson’s whereabouts had been unknown. It added that she was last seen on January 13 and had not returned home since then.
However, a source close to the family told TheCable on Tuesday that the report was “inaccurate.”
“Mama Opral is in Liberia visiting family. Precious and her Assistant are with her,” the source said.
From another source, a close family friend and longtime associate of Opral Benson debunked the claims as well.
A poster, purportedly put out by the Benson family, had recently emerged calling on the general public to assist in locating the nonagenarian, describing the situation as “time-sensitive.”
“Mama Opral is in Monrovia, Liberia, visiting relatives with her daughter Precious and her companion Dorcas. The flyer is from mischief makers within. Nothing more”.
Her claim corroborates that of Jimi Olusola, CEO of the African Refugees Foundation (AREF).
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 was married to T.O.S. Benson from 1962 until his death and has been active in fashion, beauty, and public service, including serving as Liberia’s honorary consul in Lagos.
Photo: Opral Benson
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