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

Her passing was confirmed by Bashorun J.K. Randle, who told journalists that she died on Saturday morning.

Born on March 23, 1933, in Lagos, Chief Fowler (née Moore) lived a life marked by resilience, service and remarkable accomplishments across multiple fields.

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

Although she started her career in teaching, she later trained as a nurse at the prestigious St Thomas’ Hospital, London. Her ambition and determination eventually 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 called to the Nigerian Bar that same year.

Chief Fowler built a successful legal career, working both with established chambers and through her own practice, with a specialisation in insurance law and consultancy. She also served as a councillor in the Lagos City Council between 1978 and 1980 and contributed significantly to organisations such as 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 foremost all-girls institutions, widely respected for its academic excellence and leadership development.

Her contributions to education and public service earned her the prestigious chieftaincy title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos, conferred by Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II.

Widely celebrated as a “silent achiever,” Chief Fowler’s legacy spans nursing, law, politics and education, leaving behind a profound impact on generations.