Family of Opral Benson, the Iya Oge of Lagos, has dismissed earlier reports that she was missing, saying she is currently outside Nigeria.
A missing person notice released on Sunday had stated that Mrs Benson’s whereabouts were unknown and that she was last seen on January 13.
The notice appealed to the public for information to help locate her.
However, a source close to the family said 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 notice may have been issued due to a communication gap within the family.
“Precious is Opral Benson’s daughter. Bimbo Cardoso is a stepdaughter,” the source added.
The African Refugees Foundation (AREF) also confirmed that Benson, who serves as its president, is alive, safe and not missing.
In a statement signed by its chief executive officer, Olujimi Olusola III, AREF said Benson’s trip to Liberia was known.
“AREF confirms that Mrs. Benson is currently in Liberia, her presence there is voluntary and known,” the statement said.
AREF urged the public and media organisations to disregard the earlier report.
“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 statement said.
“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.”
Opral Benson was born on February 7, 1935.
She is an American-Liberian and Nigerian entrepreneur who holds the chieftaincy title of Iya Oge of Lagos.
She was married to T.O.S. Benson from 1962 until his death.
Her career spans education, fashion and corporate administration.
She is a former university administrator and manages a fashion and beauty school in Lagos.
Benson also served as a director at Johnson’s Products, the Nigerian affiliate of a multinational brand and was appointed honorary consul of Liberia in Lagos in 2012.
