By Obinna Uballa
Chief Opral Benson, the renowned Iya Oge of Lagos who was earlier declared missing by her family, has been located in Monrovia, Liberia, her daughter, Bimbo, has confirmed.
In a statement issued on Sunday, but made available by journalist Azuh Arinze on Tuesday, Bimbo expressed gratitude to Nigerians and well-wishers who rallied round the family to track her mother’s whereabouts.
She disclosed that she spoke with her mother at about 11:18am on Sunday, January 18, and confirmed that the 90-year-old fashion icon is alive and in good health.
“My mum is well and hearty; however, she is unaware that she is in Monrovia, Liberia. She believes she is in Ikoyi, Lagos,” Bimbo said.
She described the circumstances surrounding Benson’s movement out of Nigeria without the knowledge or consent of her family as “deeply troubling,” stressing that such an act showed disregard and irresponsibility towards an elderly woman.
Bimbo noted that her mother left Liberia in 1962 to become a Nigerian and has not visited the country in over a decade, adding that all her siblings in Liberia are deceased.
“In keeping with our Nigerian culture of deference to elders, all those desirous of meeting and greeting Mama are urged to visit her in Nigeria and not place her at unnecessary risk,” she said.
She further warned individuals “parading and surrounding” her mother in Liberia to immediately withdraw and desist, while calling on the public to keep Benson in their prayers for her safe and timely return to Nigeria.
The New Diplomat had reported that Chief Benson’s disappearance sparked anxiety across Lagos. Her family had declared her missing, saying she had not returned home since Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The family had described the situation as time-sensitive and appealed to the public for help in locating her.
Born on February 7, 1935, Benson is an American-Liberian and Nigerian entrepreneur, socialite and cultural icon. She holds over 25 traditional chieftaincy titles and was recently honoured with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of Africa by Liberian President Joseph Boakai during her 90th birthday celebration in Lagos last year.
She is also a former honorary consul of Liberia in Lagos, a university administrator, and the founder of a fashion and beauty school in Nigeria.
The family said further details would be communicated as arrangements are made to ensure her safe return home.
