AfriPulse
The family of Opral Benson, the Iya Oge of Lagos, has
dismissed claims that she is missing, saying she is currently out of the
country.
A missing person notice released on Sunday had claimed that
Benson’s whereabouts had been unknown. It added that she was last seen on
January 13 and had not returned home since then.
However, a source close to the family told TheCable
Lifestyle on Tuesday that the report was “inaccurate’.
“Mama Opral is in Liberia visiting family. Precious and her
Assistant are with her,” the source said.
According to the source, the missing notice may have been
issued due to a communication gap within the family, adding that the person who
circulated it may not have been informed of the trip.
The source added that Precious, Benson’s daughter, is
currently with her in Liberia, while Bimbo Cardoso, who shared the notice
online, is her stepdaughter.
“Bimbo, who put the notice out, has been described as drama
queen. Maybe she wasnt told before they left,” the source said.
“Precious is Opral Benson’s daughter. Bimbo Cardoso is a
stepdaughter.”
The African Refugees Foundation (AREF) also confirmed that
Benson, who serves as its president, is “alive, safe and not missing”.
In a statement, Olujimi Olusola, chief executive officer of
AREF, said Benson is “hale and hearty” and there was no cause for concern.
“AREF confirms that Mrs. Benson is currently in Liberia, her
presence there is voluntary and known,” the statement reads.
“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.”
Benson, born on February 7, 1935, is an American-Liberian
and Nigerian entrepreneur and socialite who holds the chieftaincy title of Iya
Oge of Lagos.
She was married to T.O.S. Benson from 1962 until his death
and has been active in fashion, beauty, and public service, including serving
as Liberia’s honorary consul in Lagos.
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Source: NigerianEye | Read the Full Story…
