Governor Hope Uzodinma Sacks Imo State Attorney General, Cyprian Akaolisa, Without Explanation — A Political Shockwave

In a stunning political development that has sent shockwaves across Imo State and beyond, Governor Hope Uzodinma has once again sacked the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Cyprian Okechukwu Charles Akaolisa. The dismissal, which took effect immediately, was announced on Monday, May 26, 2025, in Owerri, the state capital.

The news was made public through an official press release signed by Hon. Declan Emelumba, the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy in Imo State. The carefully worded statement confirmed that Governor Uzodinma had approved the immediate removal of Barr. Akaolisa from office.

“The Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma, CON, has approved the immediate removal from the office of the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr C. O. C. Akaolisa.”

Furthermore, the statement issued a clear directive regarding the transition of responsibilities:

“The erstwhile commissioner has been directed to hand over all government property under his care to the State Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, immediately.”

The Surprise Dismissal: What We Know So Far

The sudden sacking of Barrister Akaolisa, a key figure in the Uzodinma administration, has left many political observers, analysts, and insiders completely puzzled. No official reason was given for the governor's decision, further fueling speculation and political intrigue within the state.

Akaolisa has long been viewed as one of Uzodinma’s close allies. He played a significant role in the legal battles that brought the governor to power in 2020, following the controversial Supreme Court judgment that unseated Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha of the PDP and declared Uzodinma of the APC as the rightful winner of the 2019 Imo State governorship election.

Because of this history, many had assumed that Akaolisa was politically untouchable—at least within the current administration. His dismissal, therefore, has raised serious questions about what may have gone wrong behind the scenes.

Not His First Sack: A Familiar Pattern

Interestingly, this is not the first time Barrister Akaolisa has been removed from his role under the same administration. In May 2021, Governor Uzodinma dissolved his cabinet, sacking 20 commissioners in one sweep, and Akaolisa was among them.

At that time, the reason given for the mass dismissal was to allow for a cabinet reorganization and strategic repositioning of the government. However, just three months later, in August 2021, Akaolisa was reinstated to his position. Hon. Declan Emelumba later clarified that Akaolisa’s inclusion among the dismissed commissioners was a mistake.

“The inclusion of Akaolisa among the sacked commissioners was in error.”

This past episode only adds more confusion to the latest development. Was this new dismissal also an "error," or does it reflect deeper cracks within Uzodinma's inner circle?

Political Analysts React to Akaolisa’s Sudden Exit

Reacting to the news, some political analysts have described Akaolisa’s removal as a "shocking move" that could indicate internal wrangling or a shift in political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Imo-based political commentator Chuks Nwokoma told NaijaRush:

“This is definitely not ordinary. For someone as close to the governor as Akaolisa to be removed so suddenly, and without explanation, suggests there’s more to the story. Either there’s a major fallout, or the governor is restructuring his team for new political realities.”

Others have speculated that the removal might be linked to allegations of internal disloyalty, administrative disagreements, or even future legal battles that the Uzodinma administration may want to avoid.

Who Is Barr. Cyprian Akaolisa?

For readers unfamiliar with the man at the center of this unfolding political drama, Barrister Cyprian Akaolisa is a seasoned lawyer, respected legal mind, and long-time loyalist of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State.

He was appointed as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice when Uzodinma assumed office in 2020. Since then, he had been a vocal defender of the administration’s legal decisions and policy initiatives, particularly regarding security, land matters, and judicial reforms.

Akaolisa was instrumental in several high-profile legal cases involving the Imo State Government and has often represented the state in negotiations with federal authorities and external stakeholders. His sudden removal from office therefore leaves a vacuum that may take time to fill.

What Happens Next?

With Akaolisa now officially out of office, attention turns to who will replace him as the state's Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. The Ministry of Justice is a sensitive and strategic organ of government, especially in a politically volatile state like Imo.

Until a new appointment is made, all responsibilities previously handled by Akaolisa are to be overseen by the State Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, as per the government’s directive.

“The erstwhile commissioner has been directed to hand over all government property under his care to the State Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, immediately.”

As of the time of publishing this article, neither Barrister Akaolisa nor any of his associates has released an official statement regarding his dismissal.

Implications for the Uzodinma Administration

Governor Hope Uzodinma has earned a reputation for frequent cabinet reshuffles and tough administrative decisions, often without prior warning or detailed explanations. While some interpret this as a sign of strong leadership and zero tolerance for complacency, others see it as a sign of political instability and disunity within the ruling circle.

With the 2027 elections gradually approaching, the sacking of a key figure like Akaolisa may suggest that Uzodinma is recalibrating his cabinet for political survival and strategic advantage. It remains to be seen whether this move will strengthen or weaken his hold on the government.

Final Thoughts

The immediate dismissal of Barrister Cyprian Akaolisa by Governor Hope Uzodinma is a major development in Imo State politics. Without an official explanation, the decision leaves room for intense speculation, political analysis, and a deep dive into the internal dynamics of the APC-led government in the state.

As the story unfolds, NaijaRush will continue to monitor and report on any new developments, reactions, or statements that emerge from the concerned parties. For now, Imolites and political observers across Nigeria are left to wonder what really happened behind closed doors—and what this latest move means for the future of governance in Imo State.