Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has removed the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Cyprian Akaolisa, from office with immediate effect. The announcement was made on Monday, May 26, in Owerri through an official statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba.
According to the statement, the governor approved the dismissal and instructed the former commissioner to hand over all government property in his possession to the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice. No reason was given for the action, but the sudden decision has sparked widespread speculation.
Many in the state were surprised by the news, especially considering Akaolisa’s past closeness to the governor. Political analysts have described the move as unexpected, pointing to the lack of an official explanation as fuel for ongoing rumors.
This isn’t the first time Akaolisa has been relieved of his duties under Uzodinma’s administration. In May 2021, the governor dissolved his cabinet, removing 20 commissioners, including Akaolisa. However, three months later, the Attorney General was reinstated. At the time, Emelumba stated that Akaolisa’s earlier dismissal was a mistake.
The latest development has again drawn public attention to the shifting dynamics within the state’s leadership.
