The African Refugees Foundation (AREF) has confirmed that its president, Chief (Mrs.) Opral Benson, popularly known as the Iya Oge of Lagos, is alive, safe and not missing, contrary to earlier reports.
The clarification followed concerns raised by members of her family who said the 90-year-old socialite and entrepreneur was last seen on January 13 and had not returned home. However, another faction of the family, speaking through AREF, stated on Tuesday that Benson is currently in Liberia.
In a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer of AREF, Olujimi Olusola III, the foundation said Benson is hale and hearty and that there is no cause for alarm.
“AREF confirms that Mrs. Benson is currently in Liberia, her presence there is voluntary and known. 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,” the statement read.
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The foundation added that it remains committed to promoting truth, protecting the dignity of individuals under its care and ensuring that accurate information is made available to the public.
Born on February 7, 1935, Benson is an American-Liberian and Nigerian entrepreneur and socialite who holds the traditional chieftaincy title of Iya Oge of Lagos. She was married to the late politician and statesman, T.O.S. Benson, from 1962 until his death.
Benson has had a distinguished career spanning education, fashion and corporate administration. A former university administrator, she 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, a role that further strengthened her long-standing ties with the West African nation.