By chatnewstv.com
LAGOS, Nigeria (chatnewstv.com) — Opral Benson, the prominent socialite and cultural icon known as the Iya Oge of Lagos, has been found safe in Liberia after being reported missing for more than a week, family sources said Tuesday.
The discovery brings a sense of relief to Lagos high society and diplomatic circles following an urgent public appeal launched by her family when the 90-year-old failed to return home on Jan. 13.
While the circumstances of her travel remain unclear, a source close to the family indicated that Benson was located in Liberia, her country of birth. The source suggested that her unnoticed departure from Nigeria may have been linked to age-related health issues.
“They have located her in Liberia,” the source said. “I think she might be suffering from dementia due to old age.”
The alarm was first raised on Sunday when the family circulated a notice stating that the nonagenarian had not been seen for several days. “Anyone who has seen her, or has any information, no matter how small, is urged to contact us immediately,” the notice read, describing the situation as “time-sensitive.”
Benson, born in 1935, is a dual citizen of Liberia and Nigeria and has long been a towering figure in West African social and diplomatic life. She rose to prominence as an entrepreneur and educator, notably through her fashion and beauty school in Lagos.
In 1962, she married the late Chief T.O.S. Benson, a legendary figure in Nigerian politics. Her influence extended into the diplomatic corps; in 2012, she was appointed the Honorary Consul of Liberia in Lagos, a role that underscored her deep ties to both nations.
While the news that she is safe has ended the search, it has raised concerns regarding the safety of elderly public figures. It remains unknown how Benson managed to travel across international borders unnoticed or if she was accompanied.
The family has not yet released a formal statement regarding her current medical condition or the timeline for her return to Nigeria.
“For now, the focus has moved from fear to relief,” a family associate said. “But there is a clear need for proactive care and support systems as our elders advance in age.”
