Family seeks public help as Chief Opral Benson goes missing

By Folashade Olorunfemi –

The family of Chief Opral Benson, the Iya Oge of Lagos, has appealed to the public for help following her disappearance.

In a notice released on Sunday, the family said Chief Benson was last seen on January 13, 2026, and has not returned home since then, raising concerns about her whereabouts.

Describing the situation as time-sensitive, the family urged members of the public to share any useful information that could assist in locating her, noting that emergency contact details had been provided.

“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 with information is urged to contact 08037039214 or report to the nearest police station,” the notice read.

Born in Liberia on February 7, 1935, Chief Opral Benson is an American-Nigerian socialite and entrepreneur, widely recognised for her contributions to fashion, education and cultural diplomacy.

She was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Iya Oge of Lagos (Queen of Fashion) by the former Oba of Lagos, Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, in 1973.

In February 2025, during her 90th birthday celebration, she was honoured with the title of Dame Commander of the Order of Star Africa by the President of Liberia, Joseph Boakai, in recognition of her lifetime achievements.

Chief Benson is a former university administrator, founder of the Opral Benson Beauty Training Institute in Lagos, and widow of former Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Culture, Chief Theophilus Benson, who died in 2008.