Chief Mrs. Leila Euphemia Apinke Fowler, the Yeye Mofin of Lagos and founder of the prestigious Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, has passed away at the age of 91.
Her death was confirmed by Bashorun J.K. Randle, who told journalists that she died on Saturday morning.
Born on March 23, 1933, in Lagos, Chief Fowler (née Moore) lived a life of resilience, service, and groundbreaking achievements across education, law, nursing, and public service.
She began her education at CMS Girls’ School, Lagos, before moving to Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha, where she obtained her Senior Cambridge Certificate in 1951.
Although she started her career in teaching, Fowler later pursued nursing at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Her drive for excellence pushed her further into law, studying at Middle Temple and being called to the Bar in 1962. She returned home the following year and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1963.
Chief Fowler went on to establish herself in legal practice, specializing in insurance law and consultancy. Beyond her professional career, she contributed to public life, serving as a councillor in the Lagos City Council between 1978 and 1980. She also played key roles in the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Red Cross, and the Corona Schools Trust Council.
In 1991, she founded the Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls in memory of her late daughter. Today, the school is regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading all-girls institutions, celebrated for its academic excellence and commitment to grooming future female leaders.
Her contributions to society earned her the distinguished title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos, bestowed by Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II.
Remembered as a “silent achiever,” Chief Fowler’s impact cut across generations, with her legacy firmly rooted in education, women’s empowerment, and community service.
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