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Iya Oge of Lagos, Chief Opral Benson, Safe in Liberia – AREF Dismisses Missing Reports

by Women Times on

The Association for the Relief of the Elderly and Family (AREF) has clarified that Chief Opral Benson, the revered Iya Oge of Lagos, is safe and currently in Liberia, countering earlier reports of her being missing.

The 90-year-old socialite, entrepreneur, and Americo-Liberian-Nigerian icon was declared missing by her family earlier today. Reports indicated that she had not returned home since January 13, 2026, prompting public appeals for information and widespread concern across social media and news outlets.

However, AREF has firmly dismissed these claims, stating that Chief Benson is not missing but is presently in Liberia. The organization emphasized her safety and well-being, putting an end to speculation surrounding her whereabouts.

Chief Opral Benson, born on February 7, 1935, holds the prestigious traditional title of Iya Oge of Lagos, conferred on her in 1973 by Oba Adeyinka Oyekan. She is widely celebrated for her contributions to fashion, beauty education, and women’s empowerment in Nigeria.

An Americo-Liberian by birth, she has deep ties to both nations. She served as the Honorary Consul of Liberia in Lagos since 2012 and has built a legacy through ventures such as the Opral Benson Beauty Institute and Chic Afrique Enterprises in Yaba, Lagos. Her late husband was Chief T.O.S. Benson, a prominent Nigerian politician.

Some sources close to the family have suggested that age-related health challenges, possibly including dementia, may have contributed to the confusion over her location. Nonetheless, AREF’s statement confirms she is accounted for and secure.

The development has brought relief to many who admire her enduring grace and influence in Lagos society. Further details on her return or current status are awaited from family or official channels.

Chief Benson’s life continues to inspire as a bridge between Liberian and Nigerian heritage, embodying resilience and elegance at 90.

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Machado Vows to Become Venezuela’s First Female President ‘When the Right Time Comes’

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has reaffirmed her determination to become president, declaring she will lead the country “when the right time comes,” even as the United States continues to engage with interim leader Delcy Rodríguez following the dramatic ousting of Nicolás Maduro.

U.S president Trump and María Corina Machado

In an interview with Fox News’s Fox & Friends broadcast on Friday, January 16, 2026, Machado expressed unwavering confidence in her future role. “There’s a mission, and we are going to turn Venezuela into that land of grace, and I believe I will be elected when the right time comes as president of Venezuela, the first woman president,” she said.

The 58-year-old opposition figure, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy for democracy amid years of persecution under the Maduro regime, made the comments shortly after a high-profile meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday. During that encounter, she presented Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal as a “personal symbol of gratitude” on behalf of the Venezuelan people, in recognition of what she described as his “principled and decisive action” to secure a free Venezuela.

Machado described the gesture as an emotional moment and insisted she has a clear mandate from the Venezuelan people, stemming from the opposition’s claims of victory in the widely disputed 2024 presidential elections. “I want to serve my country where I am more useful. I got a mandate, and I have that mandate,” she told Fox News.

The remarks comes after  a complex and fluid political transition in Venezuela. On January 3, 2026, U.S. forces conducted a military operation in Caracas, capturing former President Nicolás Maduro and transferring him to New York to face charges related to drug trafficking and weapons. Maduro’s former vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, assumed the role of interim president.

Despite Machado’s prominence in the opposition and international recognition, including her Nobel award, President Trump has declined to fully endorse her as the next leader. He has cited concerns over her level of domestic support and referenced lessons from the U.S. experience in Iraq, where abrupt dismantling of institutions led to long-term instability. Instead, the Trump administration has pursued direct engagement with Rodríguez, including a two-hour meeting in Caracas on Friday between CIA Director John Ratcliffe and the interim president. Discussions focused on economic collaboration, ending Venezuela’s role as a safe haven for adversaries, and oil sector reforms allowing greater foreign investment.

Rodríguez, in her first state of the union address since taking office, emphasized diplomatic dialogue with the U.S., defended national dignity, and announced steps to open Venezuela’s oil industry, moves seen as aligning with American interests.

Machado has framed the current dynamics not as personal rivalry but as a broader struggle against remnants of a “criminal structure.” She expressed optimism about an “orderly transition” to democracy, predicting a future Venezuela that would become “the best ally the U.S. has ever had in the Americas.”

Her Washington visit also included meetings with U.S. senators, where supporters greeted her with chants of “María, presidente” and Venezuelan flags.

While Venezuela navigates this post-Maduro era, with ongoing deportations of Venezuelans from the U.S. and international scrutiny, the opposition leader’s vow underscores persistent divisions over the path to stable, democratic governance in the oil-rich nation.

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𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝘁𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝗴𝗼𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 103-𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿-𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 ‎

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

A devastating fire outbreak in Lagos has claimed the life of a 103-year-old woman, highlighting ongoing concerns about fire safety in residential areas of the city.

The incident occurred on Friday, January 16, 2026, at a residential bungalow located at No. 8 Bola Street, off Kadara Street in the Oyingbo area of Lagos Mainland Local Government.

According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), distress calls were received at approximately 11:43 a.m. via the state’s 767/112 emergency lines. Responders from LASEMA’s Onipanu base were activated and arrived at the scene by 12:13 p.m., where they found the building—a, residential structure with two attached shops fully engulfed in flames.

The fire reportedly originated in one room before rapidly spreading to other parts of the building. The exact cause remains under investigation.

Tragically, the 103-year-old woman, who was sleeping in her apartment at the time, perished in the inferno. Her remains were recovered by emergency teams and handed over to her family for burial arrangements.

The blaze affected eight room-and-parlour units, one self-contained mini flat, six shops, and numerous household properties, resulting in significant material losses estimated in the millions of naira. No other casualties were reported.

LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed that officials conducted an immediate risk assessment upon arrival, cordoned off the area, and implemented safety measures to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring structures.

The inferno was successfully subdued through coordinated efforts involving the LASEMA Response Team, LASEMA Fire Unit, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Nigeria Police Force, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and officials from Lagos Mainland Local Government.

Rescue, recovery, and dampening-down operations have since been concluded.

Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu appealed to residents to strictly adhere to fire safety guidelines to avert similar tragedies, amid recurring fire incidents in Lagos.

This latest loss comes shortly after other major fire events in the state, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced fire prevention, awareness, and infrastructure in densely populated urban areas.

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𝗘𝘅-𝗕𝗕𝗡𝗮𝗶𝗷𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗼𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Former Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) star Roseline Afije, popularly known as Liquorose, is mourning the heartbreaking loss of her father, who passed away recently.

The dancer, choreographer, and reality TV personality announced the sad news on her Instagram page on Saturday, January 10, 2026. In an emotional post accompanied by a poignant image, Liquorose expressed her profound grief and disbelief, captioning it: “It feels like a dream but I can’t sleep ahhh.”

The tribute captured the raw pain of sudden loss, resonating deeply with her fans and followers. Details about the cause of her father’s death or funeral arrangements have not been disclosed.

Liquorose, who gained widespread fame as a finalist in BBNaija Season 6 (“Shine Ya Eye”) in 2021, has often spoken fondly of her family’s support throughout her career in dance, entertainment, and influencing. Known for her vibrant personality, professional choreography with the group Girls Got Bold, and roles in acting and modeling, she has built a loyal fanbase that has rallied around her during this difficult time.

Social media has been flooded with condolences from fans, fellow entertainers, and former housemates offering prayers, sympathy, and messages of strength. Many have highlighted her close bond with her father and the immense sorrow she must be feeling.

This comes amid other recent celebrity losses in the Nigerian entertainment space, showing the fragility of life.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Liquorose, her family, and loved ones as they navigate this profound grief. May her father’s soul rest in perfect peace.

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‎𝗙𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶 𝗽𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅-𝗢𝗴𝘂𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝘆, 𝗟𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗮 𝗢𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗷𝗼 ‎

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The National Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has paid glowing tribute to the late Chief (Mrs.) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, describing her as an exemplary model of wifely support, maternal strength, and community impact.

In a condolence message released on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Fasoranti mourned the passing of the centenarian, who was the widow of Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, Ogun State’s first civilian governor during Nigeria’s Second Republic (1979–1983). Mama Onabanjo died peacefully on Monday, January 11, 2026, at the age of 100 (born 1925).

Fasoranti, also known as Asiwaju Yoruba, praised her for steadfastly holding the home front, enabling her husband, a renowned journalist famous for his “Aiyekooto” column and a devoted follower of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, to excel in both his profession and political career.

He highlighted her dignity and humility before and during her husband’s governorship, noting that she carried herself with grace even amid challenges. Fasoranti specifically recalled how, following the 1983 military coup that ended the Second Republic and subjected Onabanjo to political persecution, Mama Onabanjo did everything possible to shield the family from suffering.

“It was therefore not a surprise that Onabanjo reached the pinnacle of his profession and political career,” Fasoranti stated. He added that his own close association with the Onabanjos came from shared allegiance to Awolowo’s progressive philosophy.

On behalf of the entire Afenifere family and the Yoruba people, Fasoranti extended heartfelt condolences to the immediate and extended Onabanjo family. He prayed for the peaceful repose of Mama Lucia’s soul and for God to grant the family strength in their bereavement.

The tribute comes amongst a wave of condolences from prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, all of whom celebrated her legacy of selfless service, compassion, particularly toward women and children and enduring contributions to Ogun State and Nigeria.

Mama Onabanjo, a former teacher who lived a life of faith, humility, and quiet strength, leaves behind an inspiring example of partnership in public life and devotion to family and community. Her memory, as Fasoranti and others have noted, will continue to inspire generations.

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Badenoch Sacks Jenrick Over Defection Plot

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By Prosper Mene

In reaction to tensions within the Conservative Party, the party leader Kemi Badenoch has sacked Robert Jenrick from her shadow cabinet and suspended his party membership, citing “clear, irrefutable evidence” that he was secretly plotting to defect in a manner intended to inflict maximum damage on the party and his colleagues.

Badenoch announced the decision via a video statement on X (formerly Twitter) on January 15, 2026. She stated: “I have sacked Robert Jenrick from the shadow cabinet, removed the whip and suspended his party membership with immediate effect. I was presented with clear, irrefutable evidence that he was plotting in secret to defect in a way designed to be as damaging as possible to his shadow cabinet colleagues and the wider Conservative Party.”

The British public, she added, are “tired of political psychodrama,” referencing instability in both the previous Conservative government and the current Labour administration under Keir Starmer. Badenoch emphasized her determination not to repeat past mistakes.

Reports suggest the “irrefutable evidence” included a printed copy of a potential resignation speech and related materials reportedly left accessible by Jenrick’s team, indicating plans for a high-profile exit timed to disrupt the Conservatives, possibly ahead of upcoming local elections.

Jenrick, the MP for Newark and a former leadership contender who lost to Badenoch in the 2024 Conservative contest, had served as shadow justice secretary. He has long been linked to speculation about joining Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, a right-wing party that has surged in polls and attracted multiple Conservative defectors since the 2024 general election.

Hours after Badenoch’s announcement, Jenrick confirmed his defection to Reform UK at a press conference alongside Farage. He launched a sharp attack on his former party, describing the Conservatives as “rotten,” “failed,” and lacking the “stomach for the radical change this country needs.” Jenrick claimed the party had “broken Britain” and “betrayed its voters,” positioning his move as principled rather than personal ambition.

Farage welcomed Jenrick as Reform’s most high-profile sitting MP defector to date, boosting the party’s tally to six MPs in Parliament. He jokingly thanked Badenoch for the “late Christmas present” and suggested her preemptive sacking had accelerated the process. Farage also teased potential further defections, including from Labour.

Badenoch later described Jenrick’s switch as “a good day” for the Conservatives, stating he was now “Nigel Farage’s problem.” Senior Tories rallied behind her, praising the move as “decisive” and “strong leadership.” Nick Timothy, a former aide to Theresa May, was quickly appointed as Jenrick’s replacement in the shadow justice role.

Jenrick’s departure follows other notable defections to Reform, including former shadow minister Danny Kruger and ex-chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, amid broader concerns about the Conservatives’ direction post their 2024 election defeat.

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‎𝗟𝗮𝗴𝗼𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝘄𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗳𝗲’𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗯𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

A Lagos-based lawyer, Justice John, has publicly accused Gynescope Specialist Hospital in Lekki, Lagos, of medical negligence that he claims led to the tragic death of his wife, Akudo Lovelyn John, shortly after she gave birth to their son.

The incident occurred in early December 2025. According to Justice John, his wife had received antenatal care at the hospital with no known underlying health issues. During her third trimester, concerns were raised about the baby’s large size (delivered at 4.2 kg), but the consultant insisted on a spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) rather than a caesarean section.

Labor began on December 3, 2025. An episiotomy was performed during delivery, but complications arose, including excessive postpartum bleeding (primary postpartum hemorrhage, or PPH). John alleged that a junior doctor handled key procedures without adequate supervision, internal bleeding was identified but not promptly addressed, and there was a critical delay, spanning about 15 hours, in referring her to another facility despite her deteriorating condition. Blood transfusion occurred without first identifying and repairing the bleeding source.

In the early hours of December 4, 2025, his wife reportedly convulsed with no immediate medical personnel present. Evacuation efforts were marred by further alleged lapses: lack of oxygen in the ward, a stretcher without side guards (leading to her falling off during transfer), delays in accessing the ambulance (keys reportedly held by HR, battery reconnection needed), and confusion over the route. She was pronounced dead on arrival at Lagos Island Maternity Hospital (LIMH).

The hospital issued a death certificate citing cardiac arrest, but an autopsy at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), part of a coroner’s inquest, reportedly confirmed haemorrhagic shock as the cause, contradicting the initial claim.

Justice John has petitioned the Lagos State Government (including the Commissioner for Health), the Health Service Commission, and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for a thorough investigation into the events, professional conduct of the doctors involved, and broader accountability in maternal care. He has described the loss as devastating, noting their marriage lasted only about a year, and emphasized that his healthy wife entered the hospital but never returned home alive.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch Chairman, Uchenna Akingbade, has supported calls for urgent probes, stressing patient safety and accountability.

The hospital’s proprietor, Prof. Jude Okohue, described the incident as “very unfortunate” but denied negligence, suggesting tragic outcomes can occur despite efforts and welcoming the autopsy for clarity.

 

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𝗜’𝗺 𝘄𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹, 𝗧𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝘅𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘂𝗽 𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝘁 48

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Grammy-nominated singer and television personality Tamar Braxton has candidly shared her disappointment over remaining single at 48, insisting she is prime “wife material” and expressing frustration that she isn’t married by now.

In a recent interview on New York radio station WBLS, the “Love and War” hitmaker opened up about her desire for a committed relationship, attributing her single status not to a lack of readiness but to a shortage of suitable partners. “I am wife material. I am not a streetwalker. I am upset that I am still single. What’s going on?” Braxton said, using humor to highlight her exasperation.

The 48-year-old emphasized her high standards, explaining that she seeks only “premium guys” and has been encountering “regulars” lately. When asked about her ideal type, she kept it straightforward: “A good man. That’s my type.” She lamented the absence of “nice men” who meet her criteria, adding that her strong, confident personality, often described as “alpha female” you may intimidate potential suitors.

“Yes, my personality may come off as intimidating and some men may not have the confidence of approaching me because they may be thinking that they can’t meet my standards,” Braxton admitted. In response, she revealed she’s actively working on softening her approach. “But right now, I am trying to ditch being an alpha female and be more soft,” she shared, describing herself as a “recovering alpha female” in pursuit of personal growth and better relationship dynamics.

Braxton’s comments come amid her ongoing journey of self-reflection and healing. She has previously spoken about periods of celibacy and focusing on her son, Logan after past high-profile relationships, including her marriage to music executive Vincent Herbert (which ended in 2017), a romance with David Adefeso, and an engagement to Jeremy “JR” Robinson that ended in 2024.

Despite the challenges, Braxton remains optimistic and unapologetic about her standards, rejecting the idea of settling. Her honest revelations have sparked widespread discussion online, with fans and commentators praising her self-awareness while others relate to the realities of dating in midlife.

Whether love arrives soon or not, her message is clear: she’s ready for the right partner and won’t compromise on what she deserves.

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Super Falcons Rally Support for Super Eagles Ahead of AFCON Semi-Final

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By Prosper Mene

In a show of national unity and solidarity, Nigeria’s Super Falcons have released a morale-boosting video message rallying behind the Super Eagles as they gear up for a high-stakes Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi-final clash against hosts Morocco tonight.

The heartfelt video, posted on the official Super Falcons X account earlier today, features players including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Michelle Alozie, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and others delivering messages of encouragement, faith, and unwavering support. “Hello Super Eagles, this is from Super Falcons wishing you good luck in your game. We believe in you, we trust you, and we are praying for you,” Ajibade begins in the clip, setting the tone for the collective rallying cry.

The nine-time African champions emphasized the backing of over 250 million Nigerians, urging the men’s team to “trust each other, fight for one another,” play an “injury-free game,” and “fly high Eagles.” Other players chimed in with calls like “Go crazy guys, do your thing,” “Congratulations in advance,” and “Let’s go to the end, come on brothers!” The video, captioned “Let’s go, @NGSuperEagles! We’re right behind you all the way. #Naija4TheWin,” has garnered thousands of likes and reposts, amplifying the spirit of camaraderie across Nigerian football.

This gesture comes at a pivotal moment for the Super Eagles, who have been unbeaten throughout the tournament under head coach Éric Chelle, topping their group and dispatching Algeria 2-0 in the quarter-finals to reach the semis for the first time since 2019. They face a formidable Morocco side, the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists and tournament hosts, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off slated for 9:00 PM WAT. The winners will advance to the final on January 18 against the victor of tonight’s earlier semi-final between Senegal and Egypt, where Senegal prevailed thanks to a Sadio Mané winner.

Adding to the wave of support, the Federal Government has also rallied behind the team. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, posted a stirring message on X, praising the Eagles’ “discipline, courage, and belief” and reminding them: “You carry the hopes of millions of Nigerians… Play with the confidence of champions.”

As Nigeria dreams of a record fourth AFCON title, the Super Falcons’ endorsement underscores the growing synergy between the country’s men’s and women’s football teams, inspiring fans nationwide to unite behind the green-white-green flag. All eyes are on Rabat tonight, Naija no dey carry last!

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Kano State Hospitals Management Board Suspends Three Staff Over Housewife’s Death Following Alleged Medical Negligence

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has suspended three personnel with immediate effect following the death of a housewife, Aishatu Umar, which has been linked to medical negligence at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre in Kano.

The incident involved an alleged surgical error where a pair of scissors was left inside the patient’s abdomen during a procedure performed in September 2025. Aishatu Umar, a mother of five, reportedly suffered persistent and severe abdominal pain for several months after the surgery. Despite multiple visits to the hospital, her complaints were allegedly managed only with painkillers, without thorough investigations into the underlying cause.

According to family accounts shared on social media by a relative, Abubakar Mohammed (also referred to as Mohammed), scans and tests conducted just days before her death revealed the retained surgical instrument. Preparations for corrective surgery were underway, but Umar’s condition deteriorated rapidly. She passed away around 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

In response to public outcry and family complaints, the Board’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, ordered a preliminary and transparent investigation. The probe confirmed the incident occurred at the facility and established grounds for immediate action.

In a statement issued by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Samira Suleiman, the authority announced: “In line with its commitment to accountability, professionalism, and patient safety, the Board has outrightly suspended three personnel directly involved in the case from clinical activities with immediate effect.”

The matter has been referred to the Kano State Medical Ethical Committee for further comprehensive investigation and appropriate disciplinary measures, in accordance with existing laws, professional guidelines, and ethical standards.

The Board extended its deepest condolences to the family of the late Aishatu Umar, sympathizing with them over the painful loss, and reaffirmed that patient safety remains paramount. It assured the public that negligence will not be tolerated in any form across state health facilities, emphasizing decisive steps to uphold trust and safeguard lives.

This development highlights ongoing concerns about oversight and standards in public healthcare, with authorities vowing firm action to prevent future occurrences. The suspensions are pending the outcome of the ethical committee’s review.

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