Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma sacked the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Cyprian Akaolisa, on May 25, 2025, in a move that sent shockwaves through the state’s political landscape.
The dismissal was announced via a statement from the governor’s office, citing the need for a “strategic realignment” to enhance governance and judicial efficiency. Akaolisa, a seasoned legal practitioner, had served since 2023, overseeing key legal reforms and representing the state in high-profile cases, including disputes over local government autonomy and electoral matters.
The sacking has been linked to internal disagreements within Uzodimma’s administration, particularly over the handling of legal challenges to the state’s policies. Insiders suggest that Onyeama’s approach to certain cases, including a controversial land dispute involving prominent stakeholders, clashed with the governor’s priorities. The decision comes amid Uzodimma’s broader efforts to consolidate power within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, where he also serves as chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum. The governor has faced criticism for centralizing authority, with opposition parties, including the PDP, accusing him of stifling dissent.
No replacement has been named, with Uzodimma directing the Solicitor General to oversee the Ministry of Justice temporarily. The move has sparked speculation about potential successors and the implications for ongoing legal cases, including those related to the 2023 elections. Critics argue that the sacking could undermine judicial independence, while supporters view it as a necessary step to align the state’s legal framework with Uzodimma’s development agenda, which includes infrastructure projects like the Owerri-Orlu road. The decision has heightened political tensions in Imo, with stakeholders watching closely for its impact on the state’s governance and the APC’s cohesion.