The family of Opral Benson, the respected Iya Oge of Lagos, has raised alarm after she was declared missing under unexpected circumstances.
The development has sparked widespread concern and intense public attention, especially following conflicting reports about her possible location.
In a notice released on Sunday, the family disclosed that Benson, aged 90, was last seen on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Since then, she has not returned home, and her whereabouts remain unclear. The announcement immediately triggered worry across Lagos and beyond, given her age and status.
Describing the matter as urgent, the family appealed to members of the public to assist with any useful information.
According to the notice, “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.”
They further urged, “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, please share immediately.”
Opral Benson is widely known as the matriarch of the T.O.S. Benson family of Ikorodu, Lagos. Born on February 7, 1935, she is an American-Liberian and Nigerian entrepreneur.
Over the years, she built a strong reputation across education, fashion, and corporate administration. In addition, she holds the revered traditional title of Iya Oge of Lagos.
She was married to the late Chief Theophilus Benson, Nigeria’s former Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Culture, from 1962 until his death in 2008. Her long public life has made the news of her disappearance even more troubling.
According to emerging claims, Mama Opral Benson is said to be in Liberia, her country of origin, and allegedly arrived there on Wednesday.
This revelation has raised further questions rather than providing relief.
Meanwhile, members of the public have continued to ask pressing questions. Did she travel alone or with assistance? Where is her caregiver? Who drove her to the airport? Moreover, if the family was aware of her travel plans, why was she declared missing?
Despite these uncertainties, the family has maintained that her absence was unplanned and unexplained.
