Opral Benson, Iya Oge of Lagos declared missing

The family of Opral Benson, the Iya Oge of Lagos, has declared her missing, saying her whereabouts have been unknown for more than 48 hours. In a notice, the family said Benson was last seen on January 13 and had not returned home since.

Describing the situation as time-sensitive, the family appealed to members of the public for any information that could assist in locating her. “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.”

Benson was born on February 7, 1935, and is an American-Liberian and Nigerian entrepreneur and socialite known for her longstanding role in Lagos society. She holds the traditional title of Iya Oge of Lagos. She was married to politician and lawyer T.O.S. Benson from 1962 until his death and has had a career spanning education, fashion and corporate administration.

A former university administrator, 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.

The family urged the public to circulate the notice widely to support ongoing efforts to trace her.