By Stanley Okehi
On Sunday, June 22, 2025, Governor Hope Uzodimma, during a Mass at the Government House Chapel in Owerri, made his stance on the 2027 governorship succession abundantly clear.
In his words:
“When we begin to do things right, the Spirit of God will arrest all of us, and once we have been arrested, we don't have a choice but to do the will of God. If the will of God says it is Owerri Zone that will produce the next Governor, then that is where the Governor will come from. If it is Okigwe Zone, then so be it.
"For me, what is important is who will sustain what I have achieved. If you want your zone to produce the next Governor, identify someone who, in patriotism and commitment to Imo’s interest, will protect and defend what we have built, so we don’t go back to Egypt.”
There is no denying the fact that Governor Uzodimma has performed exceedingly well. His dividends of democracy are evident across all sectors, health, education, infrastructure, and more. His name will inevitably dominate discussions when the story of modern Imo State is told.
Naturally, no leader wants his legacy dismantled after years of dedicated service. Hence, it is understandable that the Governor desires a successor who will not only sustain his achievements but also lead the state forward with vision and integrity.
As the 2027 race gathers momentum, aspirants from Owerri, Okigwe, and Orlu Zones have begun to emerge. In Owerri Zone alone, no fewer than five aspirants have declared interest. Yet, one name rises above the rest, Chief Barrister Success Akagburuonye.
Fondly known as Akaraugo, Chief Akagburuonye has devoted his entire life to serving humanity in alignment with divine principles. His work in Imo State reflects a rare blend of legal advocacy, faith-driven philanthropy, economic empowerment, and political engagement.
As a legal practitioner, Chief Akagburuonye made a national impact through the landmark case Engr. Success Obioma vs. Federal Republic of Nigeria (13 WRN 2005), where he challenged stringent bail conditions, thereby contributing to prison decongestion in Nigeria.
He also successfully reclaimed properties for the Igbo community in Abuja after a 16-year legal battle, a testament to his resilience and commitment to justice.
Back home, his track record of community service is unmatched. He has organized multiple free medical, surgical, and eye-care outreaches in Aboh Mbaise, directly benefiting over 3,000 residents. During the 2025 Assemblies of God Easter retreat, he empowered 10 individuals with one million naira each, a bold move aimed at creating local millionaires annually.
Additionally, he donated a borehole to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council, along with a ₦500,000 contribution, and accepted the role of patron.
Chief Akagburuonye is a committed Kingdom Investor. Through foundations like HopeRising for Imolites and the Believers of the Gospel Welfare Foundation, he supports grassroots empowerment. He built the “Noah’s Ark” auditorium in Ogbor Uvuru, with a capacity of over 1,500 worshippers, and donated land for the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Secretariat in Owerri.
To support small and medium-scale enterprises, he founded Akaraugo Microfinance Bank. His relief center for unemployed graduates continues to provide training and job placements across Nigeria.
Chief Akagburuonye has been recognized both locally and internationally. His accolades include:
Justice of the Peace (Imo State Ministry of Justice, 2019).
Ambassador, Kingdom Assemblies of God Church (2019).
UN Award for Philanthropic & Humanitarian Service (New York, 2018).
Honorary Doctorate in Philanthropic Management & Theology (Freedom University, Philadelphia, 2013).
He also holds respected traditional titles such as Akaraugo I of Mbaise, Walking Stick of the Elderly, and Nwachinemere of Igboland.
An entrepreneur with diverse interests, real estate, hospitality (Peace Be Still Hotel), manufacturing, retail, and finance, Chief Akagburuonye combines business acumen with a humanitarian heart. He contested for Governor in 2019 under the ADP and has since demonstrated clear readiness to serve again in 2027.
If a man of such pedigree, proven character, and pan-Imo achievements is not deemed fit to steer the ship of Imo come 2027, then who is?
*Stanley Okehie is an Owerri-Based Journalist.
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