Yeye Mofin of Lagos, Chief Mrs. Leila Fowler, Dies at 92

Chief (Mrs.) Leila Euphemia Apinke Fowler, the iconic Nigerian lawyer and educationist famously known as the Yeye Mofin of Lagos, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the age of 92.

Born on March 23, 1933, Chief Fowler was an exemplary figure whose dedication to education and public service left an indelible mark on Nigerian society. She founded the Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls in 1991, which quickly established itself as a beacon of excellence in empowering young women through quality education.

The school announced her passing with deep sorrow: “It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved founder, Chief (Mrs.) Leila Fowler. She was a true pioneer, an erudite lawyer, and a visionary educationalist whose life was a testament to the power of empowering young women. Her guidance and motherly warmth built not just a school, but a community dedicated to excellence.”

Chief Fowler’s distinguished career began in law where she practiced as a barrister specializing in insurance law after training in London. Beyond the courtroom, she served as a Lagos City Council councillor and was an active member of various organizations including the Nigerian Red Cross and Nigerian Bar Association.

President Bola Tinubu mourned her loss, describing her as an “icon of education and service” whose “remarkable impact” continues to inspire the nation. “Nigeria is grateful for her pioneering spirit and her unwavering commitment to nurturing future generations,” the president stated.

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Chief Mrs. Leila Fowler is remembered for her unwavering passion for education, humanitarian service, and her role in shaping a generation of confident, empowered Nigerian women.

Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced in due course.