‘She’s safe in Liberia’ — family dismisses claim Opral Benson is missing

The family of Opral Benson, the Iya Oge of Lagos, has dismissed claims that she is missing, saying she is currently out of the country.

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 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.

According to the source, the missing notice may have been issued due to a communication gap within the family, adding that the person who circulated it may not have been informed of the trip.

The source added that Precious, Benson’s daughter, is currently with her in Liberia, while Bimbo Cardoso, who shared the notice online, is her stepdaughter.

“Bimbo, who put the notice out, has been described as drama queen. Maybe she wasnt told before they left,” the source said.

“Precious is Opral Benson’s daughter. Bimbo Cardoso is a stepdaughter.”

The African Refugees Foundation (AREF) also confirmed that Benson, who serves as its president, is “alive, safe and not missing”.

In a statement, Olujimi Olusola, chief executive officer of AREF, said Benson is “hale and hearty” and there was no cause for concern.

“AREF confirms that Mrs. Benson is currently in Liberia, her presence there is voluntary and known,” the statement reads.

“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 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. (The Cable)