Chief Leila Euphemia Apinke Fowler, the esteemed Yeye Mofin of Lagos and founder of the renowned Vivian Fowler memorial college for girls, has passed
Chief Leila Euphemia Apinke Fowler, the esteemed Yeye Mofin of Lagos and founder of the renowned Vivian Fowler memorial college for girls, has passed away at the age of 91.
Her death was announced by Bashorun J.K. Randle, stating that she died on the morning of Saturday, September 6.
The late matriarch of the Fowler family was the mother of Tunde Fowler, a former chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS.
She was also the grandmother of prominent socialite, Funke Fowler.
Born in Lagos on March 23, 1933, chief Fowler (née Moore) distinguished herself through resilience, service, and remarkable achievements across education, law, politics, and healthcare.
She began her education at CMS girls’ school, Lagos, before moving on to Queen of the Rosary college, Onitsha, where she obtained her senior cambridge certificate in 1951.
Though she initially pursued teaching, she later trained as a nurse at the prestigious St. Thomas’ hospital in London.
Determined to broaden her impact, she switched careers to law, studied at Middle temple, and was called to the bar in 1962.
She returned to Nigeria the following year, where she was admitted to the Nigerian bar in 1963.
Her professional career in law was distinguished, as she worked with established chambers and later ran her own practice specializing in insurance law and consultancy.
Beyond her legal career, she served as a councillor in the Lagos city council from 1978 to 1980, and was actively involved in civic service through the Nigerian bar association, the Nigerian red cross, and the Corona schools trust council.
In 1991, she established the Vivian Fowler memorial college for girls in memory of her late daughter.
The school quickly rose to prominence as one of Nigeria’s leading institutions dedicated to girls’ education, known for its academic excellence and commitment to nurturing women leaders.
Her outstanding contributions earned her the prestigious title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos, conferred by Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II.
Often described as a ‘silent achiever,’ chief Fowler leaves behind a powerful legacy that spans nursing, law, politics, and education, a life that continues to inspire generations.
