Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has dismissed the State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Barrister Cyprian Akaolisa, effective immediately.
The announcement was made on Monday, May 26, in Owerri via a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba.
According to the statement, “The Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma, CON, has approved the immediate removal of Barr. C. O. C. Akaolisa from the office of State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.”
It further directed the former commissioner to hand over all government property in his possession to the State Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, without delay.
The decision has come as a surprise to many within the state, especially given Akaolisa’s close relationship with the governor. Political observers have described the move as unexpected, though no official reason for the dismissal has been provided.
This is not the first time Akaolisa has been relieved of his duties under the Uzodinma administration. In May 2021, the governor dissolved his cabinet and dismissed 20 commissioners, including Akaolisa. However, three months later in August, Akaolisa was reinstated after Commissioner Emelumba clarified that his inclusion among the sacked commissioners was a mistake.
