The family of Opral Benson, popularly known as the Iya Oge of Lagos, has clarified that the socialite is not missing, contrary to recent reports, and is currently out of the country.
A missing person notice circulated on Sunday had claimed that Benson’s whereabouts were unknown, stating that she was last seen on January 13 and had not returned home since.
However, a source close to the family told TheCable Lifestyle on Tuesday that the report was “inaccurate.”
“Mama Opral is in Liberia visiting family. Precious and her Assistant are with her,” the source said, adding that the notice may have been issued due to a communication gap within the family.
The source also clarified family relations, noting that Benson’s daughter, Precious, is with her in Liberia, while Bimbo Cardoso, who shared the missing person notice online, is her stepdaughter.
“Bimbo, who put the notice out, has been described as drama queen. Maybe she wasn’t told before they left,” the source said. “Precious is Opral Benson’s daughter. Bimbo Cardoso is a stepdaughter.”
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The African Refugees Foundation (AREF), of which Benson is president, also confirmed that she is “alive, safe and not missing.”
In a statement, AREF CEO Olujimi Olusola assured the public: “AREF confirms that Mrs. Benson is currently in Liberia, her presence there is voluntary and known. 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 February 7, 1935, is an American-Liberian and Nigerian entrepreneur and socialite. She holds the chieftaincy title of Iya Oge of Lagos, was married to T.O.S. Benson until his death, and has been active in fashion, beauty, and public service, including serving as Liberia’s honorary consul in Lagos.