Imo State Attorney General, Cyprian Akaolisa, Dismissed from Office
The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has relieved Cyprian Akaolisa of his duties as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice with immediate effect.
TJ News Nigeria reports that the announcement was made on Monday by Declan Emelumba, the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy.
While no official reason was provided for the abrupt termination, Akaolisa has been ordered to return all government properties in his custody to the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice without delay.
From Loyal Ally to Fallout: A Timeline of Akaolisa’s Political Journey
Strong Ties Before 2019
Before Governor Uzodimma assumed office, Akaolisa was considered a close political associate, and was even tipped to emerge as Deputy Governor during the 2019 governorship contest.
Strains in Relationship
Their political alliance began to unravel in 2021 during a major cabinet reshuffle. Rumours circulated that Akaolisa had been sacked at the time, though the government later clarified that he retained his position.
This public confusion marked the beginning of a frosty relationship between the two former allies.
Akaolisa’s Legal Career and Controversies
2021 Suspension by Legal Disciplinary Committee
In a major blow to his legal reputation, Akaolisa was suspended in 2021 by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) for alleged professional misconduct. He was banned from practising law for five years after being found guilty of influencing the bail of a murder suspect, Paulinus Nwanochie.
Nwanochie was being prosecuted for the murder of Alphonsus Akuma in Orsu LGA. Notably, Akaolisa had previously served as Nwanochie’s legal representative before his appointment as Attorney General.
The committee concluded that Akaolisa leveraged his office to interfere with due process in the criminal case.
Supreme Court Overturns Suspension in 2025
However, in April 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria overturned the LPDC decision. A five-member panel of the apex court ruled that the disciplinary process was flawed and reinstated Akaolisa’s legal license.
The judgment, which favored Akaolisa’s appeal, cleared the way for him to resume legal practice after nearly four years of professional limbo.
Implications for Imo State Politics
The removal of Akaolisa raises questions about further political instability and power realignments within the Uzodimma administration. While the governor is yet to name a replacement, sources within the Imo State Government House suggest a broader cabinet reshuffle may be imminent.
Akaolisa’s sacking also underscores the volatile nature of political alliances in Nigerian governance, where proximity to power can shift swiftly.
What Happens Next?
- The Imo State Government is expected to announce a new Attorney General in the coming days.
- Akaolisa may choose to challenge his removal or make public statements in the days ahead.
- Political analysts expect a potential realignment of legal and political forces ahead of the 2027 elections.
What you should know
The dismissal of Cyprian Akaolisa marks the end of a turbulent chapter in Imo State’s legal and political circles. Once a trusted confidant of Governor Uzodimma, Akaolisa’s fall from grace signals ongoing shifts within the state’s power structure. Whether this move strengthens or weakens Uzodimma’s administration remains to be seen.
