Family declares 90-yr-old Opral Benson, Iya Oge of Lagos, missing

The Iya Oge of Lagos, Opral Benson, has been declared missing days after she left her residence for an unknown destination.

The family announced this in a statement, saying her whereabouts have been unknown for more than six days since she left home.

In a notice released, the family revealed Benson was last seen on January 13 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.”

Benson, born on February 7, 1935, is an American-Liberian and Nigerian entrepreneur and socialite. She holds the traditional chieftaincy title of Iya Oge of Lagos.

She was married to T.O.S. Benson from 1962 until his death and has had a long career spanning education, fashion and corporate administration.

A former university administrator, Benson manages a fashion and beauty school in Lagos and previously served as a director at Johnson’s Products, the Nigerian affiliate of the multinational brand.

In 2012, she was appointed the honorary consul of Liberia in Lagos.

The family urged the public to share the notice widely to aid ongoing efforts to locate her.