Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has relieved the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Cyprian Akaolisa, of his duties with immediate effect.
The announcement was made on Monday, May 26, via a statement issued in Owerri by the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba.
“The Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma, CON, has approved the immediate removal of the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. C.O.C. Akaolisa,” the statement read.
The former commissioner has been instructed to hand over all government property in his possession to the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice without delay.
The move has sparked surprise and speculation across the state, particularly given Akaolisa’s long-standing relationship and apparent closeness to the governor. As of now, no official reason has been provided for his dismissal.
This marks the second time Akaolisa has been removed under Uzodinma’s administration. In May 2021, he was among 20 commissioners dismissed during a cabinet dissolution. However, he was reinstated three months later after Emelumba clarified that his inclusion among those sacked had been “an error.”
The latest dismissal has reignited political chatter in Imo State, with analysts watching closely for further developments or clarifications from the state government.