It’s been 19 long years since you left us, Daddy. I write this tribute to you today with tears in my eyes but with a heart full of gratitude. This is not just a letter of remembrance — it’s a legacy for your grandchildren and the generations to come, who never had the chance to meet you but have heard the stories that keep your memory alive. This is my version of your tribute, from a son who will always love and remember you.
Barrister Leo Ihekandu Echeozo, with his chieftaincy title Ebubedike 1 of Umunjam, was born on December 4th, 1945, in Imo State, Nigeria. You were the fourth of five siblings — a brilliant, confident, and determined young man who grew into one of the finest minds of your generation.
From an early age, you stood out for your intelligence, discipline, and sense of justice. You followed your passion for law and became a respected legal practitioner, serving with honor in Kano State and later in Abuja, under your own chamber, Echeozo & Echeozo. To you, the law was never about titles or money — it was about truth, fairness, and giving a voice to the voiceless.
You were a man of many gifts and passions. You loved playing your red guitar, often in the cool of the evening, but above all, your greatest joy was being present with your family, against all odds.
Daddy….. you were one rare breed of a human who religiously dropped us off at school every morning and picked us every afternoon — without fail. You were very strict, yes, but your discipline came from love. You were a man who believed in structure, in doing things the right way, and in speaking good English (Lol)— because to you, every word carried power. I dared not make grammatical errors in your presence, yet behind every correction was a desire to see your children become the best versions of themselves.
Faith was at the centre of our home. You made sure we were deeply religious. Morning and night prayers were sacred traditions. Even when illness weakened your body, you still led us in prayer with your deep, coarse baritone voice.
Your favorite opening song used to be ” Thou art Worthy” and you always ended with “Abide with me“. Your greatest pride was seeing us complete our education (which we all did) and grow into responsible adults.
Outside the courtroom and the home, you were a man of warmth and friendship. You enjoyed spending time at the Rotary Club Abuja branch, Kano Club, playing lawn tennis with your friends. Your favorite drink was Star Lager Beer, which you fondly called ‘Nwoke Obioma’ — a reflection of your cheerful and open spirit.
You were a man people respected — even feared — for your looks, integrity, discipline, and unshakable honesty. Yet beneath your firm exterior was a tender heart that loved deeply and gave freely.
“Although there were times I didn’t understand your ways. I even disliked you for how strict you were with me. I can’t count the amount of beating I received from you, Lol. But now that I’m grown, I see everything clearly. You did love me deeply. Every stern word, every correction, every lesson — it was your way of shaping me into the man I am today.”
My final moments with you, Daddy, remain forever etched in my memory. In the hospital, for the first time, we shared laughter.
“You laughed at my jokes,” Like Daddy Laughed at my jokes for the first time in my entire life”. I prayed for God to spare your life for my sake, just to have these moments repeat itself… but God knows best.”
Then on Tuesday, October 24th, 2006, at exactly 11:16 a.m., You answered the final call…
Though you’re gone, your presence still lingers in us, your children — in our laughter, our mannerisms, our wisdom, and the prayers we still say.
Daddy, you lived a life of purpose and you left behind a legacy that time cannot erase.
You were a husband, a father, a lawyer, a mentor, and above all, a man who loved your children deeply and you lived your life to the fullest.
I remember you, Daddy — with gratitude, pride, and unending love.
Rest on, Daddy… the Ebubedike 1 of Umunjam. Nineteen years may have passed, but not a day goes by without thoughts of you. Your words of advice still echo in my heart, your lessons continue to guide my paths, and your love surrounds me in quiet, unseen ways.
I miss your stories of “Nwaebelaku and the Tortoise” (smile) and Ugumagala.
Your legacy lives on in us your children, grandchildren, and all the lives you touched.
Until we meet again, keep resting in the bosom of the Lord. You will forever remain my hero, my teacher, and my father.