Chief Mrs Leila Euphemia Apinke Fowler, the highly respected Yeye Mofin of Lagos and distinguished founder of the renowned Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, has passed away at the age of 92, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of service and impact.
Her death was formally confirmed by elder statesman Bashorun J.K. Randle, who announced to journalists that the iconic educationist, lawyer, nurse, and community leader peacefully departed on Saturday morning after a lifetime of exceptional contributions to Nigeria and humanity.
Born on March 23, 1933, in Lagos, Leila Fowler (née Moore) carved a unique path for herself as a trailblazer across multiple professional fields. She attended CMS Girls’ School, Lagos, and later Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha, before pursuing nursing at the prestigious St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Not stopping there, she furthered her career in law, being called to the Bar at Middle Temple in 1962 before returning to Nigeria to establish her legal practice.
Her career extended well beyond law. Fowler became a councillor in the Lagos City Council and played vital roles in national and community institutions, including the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Red Cross, and the Corona Schools Trust Council. In all these roles, she brought integrity, innovation, and compassion, shaping policies and empowering communities.
In 1991, she founded the Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, established in honour of her late daughter. The school has since grown into one of Nigeria’s most respected all-girls institutions, dedicated to nurturing leadership, discipline, and excellence in young women. Many graduates of the college today hold influential positions across various sectors in Nigeria and abroad, serving as a testament to her vision for empowering the girl child through quality education.
Her lifetime of service and commitment to nation-building earned her the prestigious chieftaincy title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos, bestowed by Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II. This honour further cemented her role as a cultural custodian and community pillar whose wisdom and influence were widely respected.
Leila Fowler will forever be remembered as a silent yet powerful achiever, a woman who combined intellect, humility, and service to leave an indelible mark on Nigeria’s legal, educational, and social landscape. Her remarkable life continues to inspire women, educators, and leaders across generations.
Tributes have begun pouring in from former students, colleagues, and community leaders, all describing her as a visionary, mentor, and mother figure whose passion for education and service transformed countless lives. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched.