Chief Mrs. Leila Euphemia Apinke Fowler, the distinguished Yeye Mofin of Lagos and founder of the renowned Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, has passed away. She died on Saturday morning at the age of 91.

Her death was confirmed by Bashorun J.K. Randle, who disclosed the news to journalists.

Born on March 23, 1933, in Lagos, Chief Fowler (née Moore) lived a life of resilience, service, and groundbreaking achievements across several fields.

She had her early education at CMS Girls’ School, Lagos, and later at Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha, where she obtained her Senior Cambridge Certificate in 1951.

Although she began her career in teaching, Fowler later trained as a nurse at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London. Her drive for excellence led her to study law at Middle Temple, where she was called to the Bar in 1962. She returned to Nigeria in 1963 and was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar.

Fowler went on to establish a thriving legal practice, specialising in insurance law and consultancy. Her commitment to public service saw her serve as a councillor in the Lagos City Council between 1978 and 1980. She was also actively involved 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. The school has since grown into one of Nigeria’s leading all-girls institutions, renowned for academic excellence and leadership development.

In recognition of her contributions to education and society, she was conferred with the prestigious title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos by the late Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II.

Widely described as a “silent achiever,” Chief Fowler leaves behind an enduring legacy that cuts across nursing, law, politics, and education, inspiring generations through her vision and values.