Chief Opral Benson, Iya Oge of Lagos, Declared Missing

In a situation that has left Lagos society on edge, Chief Opral Benson, the revered Iya Oge of Lagos, has been declared missing by her family.

According to a notice released on Sunday, the 90-year-old socialite and entrepreneur was last seen on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and has not returned home since. The family described the situation as urgent and time-sensitive, appealing to the public for any information that could help locate 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. Anyone who has seen her, or has any information, no matter how small, is urged to contact us immediately,” the notice read.

The public can reach out via 08037039214 or report to the nearest police station. Families, friends, and Lagosians are encouraged to share the notice widely to aid in locating her.

About Chief Opral Benson:

• Born on February 7, 1935, Benson is an American-Liberian and Nigerian entrepreneur, with a distinguished career spanning education, fashion, and corporate administration.

• She holds the traditional chieftaincy title of Iya Oge of Lagos, a role that places her among the most influential women in Lagos society.

• She was married to Chief Theophilus Benson (T.O.S. Benson), the former Minister of Information, Broadcasting, and Culture in Nigeria’s first post-independence government, from 1962 until his passing in 2008.

The disappearance of Iya Oge of Lagos has shocked Lagosians, highlighting the urgent need for assistance in locating this respected elder.