Dr Leonard Idowu Dovi Kufeji (or as his friends called him L.I.D), was born on the 8th day of April, 1944. He was the last of 6 children born to Mr Simplicio Makanjuola Kufeji and Mrs Martina Dovi Kufeji. He attended St Paul's catholic primary school in Ebute-Metta, Yaba and then later went on to higher education at St Gregory's College, Lagos. He was accepted to study Medicine at the prestigious Lagos University Teaching Hospital, a degree which he completed with distinction in 1970. In 1977, he became one of the Foundation Fellows of the National Postgraduate Medical College by examination in the Faculty of Surgery.
While in medical school, L.I.D met his first love, Miss Edith Olaposi Awonuga, who was studying to be a nurse at the time. They married in Dec 1971 and had 3 wonderful children together. He completed specialty training and then went into private practice. He worked as a Resident surgeon at Ada hospital in Surulere but eventually left in 1981 to become Medical Director of his own private practice, St Martin-de-Porres Medical Centre, named after the patron saint of the poor. L.I.D set up his clinics in Mushin and in the Badia area of Ijora, to specifically offer his medical services to those less privileged in society. His goal was always to serve. He continued with his private medical work until May 2017, when he was no longer able to practice due to health issues.
His life was tinged with sadness when in 1991, Lapo passed away leaving him with 3 young children. He took it in his stride and raised the children on his own until he remarried several years later.
During his career, L.I.D served as the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Medical Association(NMA), Chairman, Continuing Medical Education Committee of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, NPMCN (1980-1984), Lecture convener of the Faculty of Surgery, NPMCN (1994-2002), Chairman, Faculty Board of Surgery, NPMCN (2003-2007), Vice president of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria ( 2008-2009), and then President of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (2010-2012). He was the first president of the college to obtain his Fellowship by examination. He also served as the Chairman of the Past Presidents Forum of the NPMCN (2015-2016). He was a Foundation Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Medicine (NAMED).
He was also a past president of Ilupeju Lions Club in Lagos, as well as a Past President of the Young Men Relief Society. He also served as Vice Chairman, Lagos Archdiocesan Health Board. He was a Knight of St. Mulumba and a Papal Knight of St. Gregory.
He is survived by his children, Dr (Mrs) Omowunmi Oluwaseun, Dr Omotayo Kufeji and Engr Oladapo Kufeji and 9 grandchildren.
May his soul continue to rest in the bosom of the Father.
We love you daddy - Gone but you always remain in our hearts.
