Yafeu Iyapo Obituary

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Yafeu Iyapo (s/n Leonard Alexander)
On the morning of June 24, 2025, our beloved Yafeu Iyapo passed away due to complications following surgery for a brain tumor. Though granted parole earlier that month-on June 6-he was in the mandatory waiting period before release and never stepped into freedom after more than five decades of incarceration. Yafeu was imprisoned since April 22, 1975. He spent 33 of those years in solitary confinement-most of them at Pelican Bay State Prison. A committed advocate for basic human rights, he took part in all three hunger strikes at Pelican Bay, standing in solidarity with others against inhumane conditions.
Yafeu is survived by his devoted wife and life partner, Makini (s/n Crystal Owens), who stood by his side both before and throughout his imprisonment. The two married in 1985 and were allowed contact visits only until June of that year, when Yafeu was placed in solitary confinement in retaliation by prison staff. He was transferred to Pelican Bay in 1989-the year it opened-and remained there until 2016, when the Ashker class- action lawsuit brought about the release of many elders from long-term isolation. After nearly four decades without physical contact, Makini and Yafeu finally held each other
again on April 1, 2022.
Leonard was born December 20, 1956, in Corona, California. he was the youngest for several years, and his personality and curious nature developed at a very young age. He had a fierce sweet tooth; his mom once shared with me that he would enjoy sugar right from the sugar bowl. He maintained this sweet tooth until earlier this year when he understood that it was not a compliment to his diet. Leonard attended Daniel Freeman Elementary School, followed by Monroe Jr. High School and graduated from Hudnall High in 1974. Yafeu was a dreamer and an inspiration to all that knew him. As the son of an educator and a father who served in the Navy, he was extremely intelligent and he studied constantly and took notes for
everything.
He is survived by two sisters and two brothers Calvin Alexander, Phyllis and Monte Easter, Yvonne Hargrove and Harold and Brenda Alexander. His beloved parents and youngest brother preceded him in death Nola Mae and Jeff Alexander and Jason
Alexander. He leaves to mourn wife of 40 years Makini and a host of nieces and nephews as well as extended family throughout. Yafeu was a deeply loving, loyal, and spiritual man. He was passionate about his family and community, and was filled with excitement and hope in the weeks leading up to his anticipated release. He had plans to publish his artwork and writings, and to start a church celebrating God and faith. He dreamed not only of personal renewal but of uplifting others.
We are raising funds to support funeral arrangements and a celebration of Yafeu's life. Proceeds will also help Makini in this time of profound transition, and will go toward completing some of the creative and spiritual projects Yafeu envisioned- ensuring his legacy continues.
Your contributions will help us honor the enduring love, struggle, and light of a man who never stopped dreaming of freedom.
Thank you for your support.
Southern California Memorial Service
The Spiritual Living Center of Inglewood
525 N. Market Street
Inglewood, California 90302
August 16, 2025 2:00p.m. to 9:00p.m.