The African Refugees Foundation (AREF) has said that its president, Opral Benson, popularly known as the Iya Oge of Lagos, is alive, safe and not missing.

Her family earlier said the 90-year-old was last seen on January 13 and had not returned home since then.

However, a faction of the family said through AREF on Tuesday that Benson was in Liberia.

According to the statement signed by the chief executive officer of AREF, Olujimi Olusola III, Benson is hale and hearty, and there is no cause for concern.

“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 said.

Benson, born on February 7, 1935, 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 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. (TheNiche)

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