Chief Mrs. Leila Euphemia Apinke Fowler, founder of Vivian Fowler Memorial College and Yeye Mofin of Lagos, has died at age 91, leaving a legacy in law, education, and public service

Lagos, Nigeria – 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.

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Her death was confirmed by Bashorun J.K. Randle, who announced that the respected educationist and legal icon died peacefully on Saturday morning.

Born on March 23, 1933, in Lagos, Chief Fowler (née Moore) lived a life defined by resilience, service, and groundbreaking accomplishments in education, law, nursing, and public service.

She began her educational journey at CMS Girls’ School, Lagos, and later graduated from Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha, with her Senior Cambridge Certificate in 1951.

Though she began her career in teaching, her ambitions led her to the UK, where she trained as a nurse at the renowned St Thomas’ Hospital, London.

Not stopping there, she went on to study law at Middle Temple, where she was called to the Bar in 1962, and to the Nigerian Bar in 1963 upon her return.

Chief Fowler was a respected legal practitioner, known especially for her expertise in insurance law and consultancy. She worked with distinguished legal chambers before establishing her own practice.

She also served the public with distinction as a councillor on the Lagos City Council from 1978 to 1980, advocating for better governance and community development.

Her contributions extended to several non-governmental and professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Red Cross, and the Corona Schools Trust Council.

In 1991, Chief Fowler founded the Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls in honour of her late daughter. Today, the school stands as one of Nigeria’s leading private all-girls institutions, known for academic excellence, leadership training, and moral values.

“She believed in empowering the girl child through education and instilling values of discipline, ambition, and service,” said an alumnus of the school.

In recognition of her service to Lagos and Nigeria, she was bestowed with the traditional title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos by Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II, solidifying her status as a respected matriarch and community leader.

Known as a “silent achiever,” Chief Leila Fowler’s multifaceted career touched thousands of lives—from the courtrooms to classrooms, council chambers to community halls.

As news of her passing spreads, tributes have been pouring in from educationists, legal professionals, former students, and civic leaders, all honouring her life of quiet impact and enduring excellence.