The family of Opral Benson, the Iya Oge of Lagos, has dismissed reports that she is missing, saying she is currently in Liberia.
A missing person notice circulated on Sunday had claimed that Benson's whereabouts were unknown, adding that she was last seen on January 13 and had not returned home since then.
However, the family has described the report as inaccurate. Her daughter, Bimbo, confirmed that the Iya Oge of Lagos is presently in Liberia.
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In a heartfelt message, Bimbo expressed gratitude to those who assisted in tracking her mother's whereabouts. She disclosed that Benson was found in Liberia, a country she left in 1962 to become a Nigerian citizen.
Bimbo, however, expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding her mother's movement out of Nigeria without the knowledge of the family.
The African Refugees Foundation (AREF) also confirmed that Benson, who serves as its president, is alive, safe and not missing.
In a statement, the Chief Executive Officer of AREF, Olujimi Olusola, said Benson is "hale and hearty" and that there was no cause for alarm. He said her presence in Liberia was voluntary and known to relevant parties.
Benson was born on February 7, 1935. The American-Liberian and Nigerian entrepreneur and socialite holds the traditional chieftaincy title of Iya Oge of Lagos.
She was married to T.O.S. Benson in 1962 until his death and has had a long career in education, fashion and corporate administration.
In 2012, she was appointed honorary consul of Liberia in Lagos.
