Opral Benson, the Iya Oge of Lagos who was recently reported missing by her family, has been located in Liberia, according to a source familiar with the situation.
The confirmation came on Tuesday evening, with the source indicating that the 90-year-old socialite may be dealing with age-related health issues.
“She has been found in Liberia,” the source said. “There are concerns that she may be experiencing dementia due to her age.”
Benson’s disappearance had raised concern over the weekend after family members revealed that they had been unable to reach her for more than 48 hours. She was last seen on January 13, 2026, and had not returned home since, prompting fears for her safety.
In a public alert issued earlier, the family described the situation as urgent and appealed to the public for assistance in locating her.
“Mama Opral Benson has been missing since Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Her whereabouts are unknown, and this is a time-sensitive situation,” the statement read.
The notice urged anyone with information to contact the family or report to the nearest police station. A phone number was provided for direct contact.
However, attempts to reach the family through the listed phone number on Tuesday were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered at the time this report was filed.
Born on February 7, 1935, Opral Benson is a renowned entrepreneur, educationist, and social figure with American-Liberian and Nigerian heritage. She holds the respected traditional title of Iya Oge of Lagos and was married to the late Chief T.O.S. Benson from 1962 until his passing.
Also Read: Iya Oge of Lagos Missing: Family Appeals for Public Help
Over the decades, Benson has built a distinguished career across education, fashion, and corporate administration. She currently runs a fashion and beauty school in Lagos and previously served as a director at Johnson’s Products, the Nigerian arm of the global brand.
In recognition of her strong ties to Liberia, she was appointed Honorary Consul of Liberia in Lagos in 2012.
