Chief Mrs Leila Euphemia Apinke Fowler, popularly known as the Yeye Mofin of Lagos and founder of the well-respected Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, has died.

Her death was confirmed by Bashorun J.K. Randle, who announced that she passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 91.

Born on March 23, 1933, in Lagos, Fowler (née Moore) lived a remarkable life filled with service, resilience, and achievements across different fields.

She began her education at CMS Girls’ School in Lagos before moving to Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha, where she earned her Senior Cambridge Certificate in 1951.

She first worked as a teacher but later pursued nursing in London at St Thomas’ Hospital. Her ambition drove her further into law, and she studied at Middle Temple, where she was called to the Bar in 1962. She returned to Nigeria in 1963 to join the Nigerian Bar.

Fowler built her legal career both in established chambers and in her own practice, specialising in insurance law and consultancy. She also served as a councillor with the Lagos City Council between 1978 and 1980.

Beyond that, she contributed to society through her involvement 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 grown into one of Nigeria’s leading all-girls institutions, celebrated for academic excellence and leadership development.

For her outstanding contributions, Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II honoured her with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos.

Chief Mrs Leila Fowler was often described as a “silent achiever.” Her legacy stretched across nursing, law, politics, and education, leaving behind a lifetime of impact and inspiration.