The African Refugees Foundation, AREF, has dismissed widespread reports that Chief (Mrs.) Opral Benson, popularly known as the Iya Oge of Lagos, went missing since Sunday.
AREF confirmed that the 90-year-old socialite is safe and currently in Liberia, contrary to earlier alarms raised by family members.
Her family had earlier declared her missing, stating that she was last seen on January 13 and had not returned home since then.
However, some members of the family said through AREF on Tuesday that Benson was in Liberia.
The chief executive officer of AREF, Olujimi Olusola III, disclosed in a statement that Benson is hale and hearty, and there is no cause for concern.
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“AREF confirms that Mrs. Benson is currently in Liberia, her presence there is voluntary and known. We urge members of the public, media organizations, and community stakeholders to disregard the false and misleading reports and refrain from spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary alarm.
“The Foundation remains committed to promoting truth, protecting the dignity of individuals under its care, and ensuring that accurate information is made available to the public,” the statement read.
Born on February 7, 1935, Opra is an American-Liberian and Nigerian entrepreneur and socialite. She holds the traditional chieftaincy title of Iya Oge of Lagos.
She was married to T.O.S. Benson from 1962 until his death in 2008 and has had a long career spanning education, fashion and corporate administration.
A former university administrator, Benson manages a fashion and beauty school in Lagos and previously served as a director at Johnson’s Products, the Nigerian affiliate of the multinational brand.
In 2012, she was appointed the honorary consul of Liberia in Lagos.
Crediblenewsng.com
