Opral Benson, the Iya Oge of Lagos who was earlier declared missing by her family, has reportedly been found in Liberia.
A source close to the family confirmed the development on Tuesday evening, noting that the 90-year-old socialite may be dealing with age-related health challenges.
“They have located her in Liberia. I think she might be suffering from dementia due to old age,” the source told Sahara Reporters.
Benson’s family had raised the alarm on Sunday after her whereabouts were unknown for more than 48 hours. In a public notice, the family said she was last seen on January 13 and had not returned home, describing the situation as time-sensitive.
“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.
They appealed to the public for help, urging anyone with useful information to contact them immediately or report to the nearest police station. However, efforts to reach the family through the phone number provided were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Born on February 7, 1935, Opral Benson is an American-Liberian and Nigerian entrepreneur and socialite. She holds the prestigious traditional title of Iya Oge of Lagos and was married to the late Chief T.O.S. Benson from 1962 until his death.
A former university administrator, Benson has had a long career spanning education, fashion, and corporate administration. She 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 Honorary Consul of Liberia in Lagos, further strengthening her long-standing ties to both Nigeria and Liberia.