Chief Mrs. Leila Euphemia Apinke Fowler, the Yeye Mofin of Lagos and the founder of the renowned Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, has passed away at the age of 91.
Her death, which occurred on Saturday morning, was confirmed by Bashorun J.K. Randle.
Born in Lagos on March 23, 1933, Chief Fowler’s life was marked by significant achievements in several fields. She began her education at CMS Girls’ School in Lagos and later attended Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha, earning her Senior Cambridge Certificate in 1951.
While her career started in teaching, she later moved to London to study nursing at St Thomas’ Hospital. She then pursued a degree in law at Middle Temple and was called to the Bar in 1962. A year later, in 1963, she was called to the Nigerian Bar.
Chief Fowler practiced law, establishing her own firm with a focus on insurance law. She also served the public as a councillor in the Lagos City Council from 1978 to 1980 and was actively involved with 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. The school has become one of Nigeria’s leading educational institutions for girls, known for its academic excellence.
In recognition of her contributions, Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II honoured her with the chieftaincy title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos.
Described as a “silent achiever,” Chief Fowler leaves behind a lasting legacy in nursing, law, politics, and education.
