The African Refugees Foundation (AREF) has dismissed widespread reports that Chief Opral Benson, popularly known as the Iya Oge of Lagos, was missing, clarifying that the 90-year-old socialite is safe and currently in Liberia.
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AREF made the clarification on Tuesday following earlier reports by family members that Benson had gone missing after she was last seen on January 13 and failed to return home.
In a statement signed by its Chief Executive Officer, Olujimi Olusola III, the foundation confirmed that Benson’s presence in Liberia was voluntary and not a cause for concern.
“AREF confirms that Mrs. Benson is currently in Liberia, her presence there is voluntary and known,” the statement read.
The foundation urged the public and the media to ignore reports suggesting otherwise.
“We urge members of the public, media organisations, and community stakeholders to disregard the false and misleading reports and refrain from spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary alarm,” it said.
AREF added that it remained committed to ensuring the dissemination of accurate information and safeguarding the dignity of individuals associated with the foundation.
“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,” the statement added.
The clarification followed an earlier notice circulated on Sunday by the family, which claimed that Benson had been missing since January 13, 2026. The notice described the situation as time-sensitive and appealed to members of the public for information on her whereabouts.
“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 read.
“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.”
The family’s notice stated that her whereabouts had been unknown for more than six days since she left home, describing the situation as time-sensitive.
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 the late T.O.S. Benson from 1962 until his death and has built a career spanning education, fashion and corporate administration.
A former university administrator, Benson currently 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 foundation’s clarification has brought relief to concerned members of the public who had been sharing the missing person notice widely on social media since Sunday.
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