Pius Nsabe
The recent launch of the book “Opral Benson: Life and Legend”, a detailed biography of Chief (Mrs) Opral Mason Benson, in Lagos, drew widespread acclaim from dignitaries, reviewers, and the literary community.
Authored by renowned biographer, Dr. Udu Yakubu, the 555-page, 20-chapter book is being hailed as a definitive and well-researched portrait of one of Nigeria’s most iconic cultural and women’s rights figures.
In describing the quality and effort that went into the publication, the event was anchored by a quote from the U.S. Marine William A. Foster: “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” This, many agreed, was a perfect summary of the author’s dedication and the excellence of the work.
From Liberia to Lagos: The Journey of a Legend
A broadcaster of repute, Mrs Bimbo Oloyede, who reviewed chapters 1 to 6 and 17, drew attention to Chief Benson’s Liberian roots, her cultural heritage, and rise to prominence in Nigeria. “We’re introduced to Arlington, a small town along the St. Paul River, situated in Montserrado County, in the northwest of Monrovia, the capital of Liberia,” she read.
“We’re told about the Terkeks, one of the indigenous families from Arlington, and how the town became the final settlement of about 83 slaves from North Carolina, including Opral’s great-grandfather, Scott Grayson.
“We’re also told about how Opral’s grandfather showed her a picture of himself and his father holding hands as they arrived in Arlington. This background set the scene for the meeting of Lily Lillita Terkeks and Johnston Bokopadin, a generation later.”
Oloyede noted how the book captured key turning points in Benson’s activism: “It goes without saying that by 1995, Opral was ready for Beijing, China. What she saw and heard at that conference prepared her for the next phase of her life, focusing on poverty alleviation, philanthropy and women empowerment.”
A Life of Magnitude and Magnetism
A renowned accountant and writer, Bashorun JK Randle, reviewing chapters 7 to 13, offered a rich and personal reflection on the Benson legacy. “The reference to life and legend, the subtitle of the book, is generously amplified by her superlative achievements. She remains a magnet to all and sundry without any bias about race, religion or gender.”
Randle, a longtime associate of the family, praised the completeness of the biography and described the work as one that “left nothing out” about Mrs Benson’s multidimensional impact.
A Comprehensive, Humanistic Story
Veteran Journalist, Dr. Reuben Abati, who reviewed chapters 14 to 16 and 18 to 20, began by lauding the credibility of the author: “The book itself is 555 pages long. So why should I read some three or four chapters and ignore the remaining chapters? I told myself that if there is anything hidden in the other chapters, it was up to me to find out.
“As a journalist, I am aware of the danger of reading only the headlines or one side of the story and jumping into conclusions.
“…Days later, the same gentleman who dropped the hardback cover of the book followed up with a phone call. I told him that even without reading the book, I believed it would be well written on the basis of my knowledge of the reputation of its author. Dr Udu Yakubu is an experienced, skillful, well-trained scholar and a master storyteller. I can attest today that Dr Udu Yakubu did not disappoint.”
Dr. Abati further remarked: “This is a book that should be read by all and sundry. Dr Yakubu avoids pedagogy and tells a very simple human story that is both educative and inspiring. It provides useful enlightenment about the linkages of marital, professional, cultural, and humanistic perspectives that define the persona of Chief Mrs Benson.”
Citing a poignant passage from the final chapter, Abati read Opral Benson’s own wish for how she would like to be remembered: “I would like to be remembered as a person who left her country of origin, settled in another country, became a part of that country, loved the people, and contributed whatever she could to the welfare of the people in her adopted country.
“I want to be remembered as someone who has been able to interact with both groups and has been able to gain their respect. I would like to be remembered as someone who has been successful, I think, in most of what she tried to do in Nigeria and in the Maldives.
“Many people have been to other countries, either through marriage or work, and they do not like the experience and have gone back. Or have just endured a difficult life. I have been able to cope with all the challenges that have come my way.”
Voices of Endorsement and Legacy
The event also featured remarks from prominent guests. Chief (Mrs) Eniola Fadayomi, former Lagos State Attorney General, introduced the book and extolled the author: “The publisher, Dr. Udu Yakubu, a very modest gentleman, deserves special mention.
“I commend the publisher for an excellent presentation, particularly the photographic rendition of the book.
“Each image tells a unique story about the celebrant, her role in different aspects of society and Nigeria’s journey from the time of Nigeria’s independence up till today,” she added.
Also, Mrs Abimbola Cardoso, wife of the current Central Bank of Nigeria Governor and daughter of TOS Benson, described the book, in honour of her step mother, as a heritage piece: “This is not just a book to be kept on shelves. It deserves a place in embassies, airports, hotels—spaces where people can read, see, and feel the spirit of Nigeria’s journey.”
The Author Speaks
Author of the book, Dr. Udu Yakubu, recounted the rigorous journey of crafting the biography: “It took about three years to put this together. It was three years of extensive interaction with the subject and others who provided perspectives to her life.
“What you have in the work is my own honest appraisal of the subject. The subject did not in any way try to influence the outcome. It is not a work that seeks to flatter the subject—even though there are so many good things to say about her.
“Chief Opral Benson is a good human being. Her goodness extends from her innate qualities to her relations and contributions to society. It is a great honour to have extensively interacted with her.”
Yakubu urged readers not only to buy the book but to engage with its content: “All that you need to know about the subject is in the book,” he concluded.
Chief (Mrs) Opral Benson
Opral Benson: Life and Legend is now widely considered not just a tribute to one woman, but a cultural document that offers a window into Nigeria’s social and political evolution. It is a book that resonates beyond biography—telling the human story of courage, integration, legacy, and love for humanity.
