Chief Opral Benson, the celebrated Iya Oge of Lagos who was earlier reported missing by her family, has been found in Monrovia, Liberia, her daughter, Bimbo, has announced.
In a statement on Sunday, shared by Azuh Arinze, a journalist on Tuesday, Bimbo thanked Nigerians at home and in the diaspora for their swift response and support in helping to trace her mother’s whereabouts. She said she spoke directly with the 90-year-old cultural icon at about 11:18am on Sunday, January 18, confirming that she is alive and in good health.
However, Bimbo disclosed that her mother appeared confused about her location.
“She is well and hearty, but she is unaware that she is in Monrovia, Liberia. She believes she is in Ikoyi, Lagos,” she said.
Bimbo expressed deep concern over the manner in which her mother was transported out of Nigeria without the knowledge or consent of her immediate family, describing the development as alarming and unacceptable.
“The transportation of Mama out of Nigeria without the knowledge of her family is deeply troubling and should be frowned upon,” she stated.
She noted that Benson left Liberia in 1962 to become a Nigerian and has not visited the country in over 10 years, adding that all her siblings in Liberia are deceased.
Calling for restraint, Bimbo urged those currently surrounding her mother in Liberia to step aside and allow the family to make arrangements for her return.
“In line with our culture of respect for elders, those who wish to see Mama should visit her in Nigeria and not expose her to unnecessary risk,” she said.
Chief Benson’s sudden disappearance had triggered widespread concern in Lagos after her family raised an alarm, saying she had not returned home since Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The family appealed to the public for information, describing the situation as time-sensitive.
Born on February 7, 1935, Opral Benson is a distinguished entrepreneur, educator and socialite with American-Liberian and Nigerian heritage. She holds the revered chieftaincy title of Iya Oge of Lagos and has been a prominent figure in Nigeria’s fashion and cultural space for decades.
She is also a former honorary consul of Liberia in Lagos and was recently conferred with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of Africa by Liberian President Joseph Boakai during her 90th birthday celebration in Lagos.
The family appealed for prayers and support as efforts continue to ensure her safe and prompt return to Nigeria.