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Obbo Goobasaa Tuujjoo Gurmeessaa was born in 1894 in Daannoo, Koluu Galaan, Jalduu district, West Shewa zone of Oromia. His parents were Ayyaantuu Tuujjoo Gurmeessaa Elemoo and Aadde Galaanee Fidaa. Like all children of the countryside, he was raised serving his family and community.

As he came of age, he married Aadde Mulunash Hurrisoo. Together they built a family and a legacy, becoming parents to six children—three sons and three daughters—and later, cherished grandparents. He was widely regarded as a pillar of his community.

His Legacy of Heroism and National Defense

Resistance Against Italian Invasion:
During Italy’s second invasion of Ethiopia, he was a young man. Refusing to accept occupation, he, his father Tuujjoo, and his brothers Moosisaa, Addunyaa, and Nuurasaa retreated to the mountains of Cobii—specifically the areas of Ofuu and Diggoo. There, they joined local resistance fighters, becoming a persistent thorn in the side of the fascist forces.

When the Italian fascists attempted to confront a group of shifta (resistance fighters) led by General Jaagamaa Keelloo near Ejeree (Addis Alem), the Jalduu fighters, under Colonel Alamuu Qixxeessa, were called for support. Obbo Goobasaa Tuujjoo was among this reinforcement. In the ensuing battle, they routed the enemy and captured significant weaponry. His brothers fought alongside him.

Pursuing the retreating Italian forces from Ejeree, they engaged in a running battle over four days: first at Maagaala Tafkii, then Walqixxee, and at the Gibee River. Upon reaching Jimma, they joined forces with a group led by Dajjaasmaach Garasuu Dhukiiti to clear the area of remaining enemy troops. After a fierce, three-day battle at Sanbee near the Gojob River, they decisively defeated the invaders, captured five guns, and returned home as liberators.

Contributions to the Oromo Struggle for Rights

• He participated in the foundational meeting of the Macca and Tuulama Association in Giinci, contributing alongside figures like Colonel Alamuu Qixxeessa and General Taaddasaa Birruu.
• Following the fall of the Derg regime, he played a leading role in a pivotal historical conference in Gojjoo, Jalduu. His efforts to ensure representation from all Oromia zones were honored with two medals.
• He famously compared the Derg’s brutal suppression of Jalduu farmers to the contemporaneous war in Eritrea, coining the phrase “Jalduu is a small Asmara” to illustrate the scale of the resistance.
• He fought in the first major battle of this resistance at Qooftuu, under the command of the martyr Fayyisoo. The fighters successfully liberated and held the town of Goojjoo for an extended period, thanks in part to his significant role.
• In subsequent heavy battles at Goodaa Qicuu and Kaabii Sirbaa—where comrades like Dr. Engineer Silashii Baqqalaa and Obbo Baqqalaa Awulaachoo were martyred—he displayed immense bravery. When a fallen comrade was hit, he refused to let the enemy capture his weapon, dragging it to safety under fire and concealing it until they could retrieve their brother’s body with dignity two days later.
• He fought in numerous other engagements at Oofuu, Diggoo, Qamaxxee, and beyond, writing a history future generations will not forget. He fought alongside his brothers (Mogoraa, Booranaa), nephews, and many other Jalduu and “small Asmara” heroes, including Mul’dhataa Fayyisoo, Wagii Saattoo, Jaalataa Abbabaa, and others too many to name.
• Even against the current regime, in his advanced years, he led a legendary stand. With only three of his children at his side in Ulmaa, Osolee, Jalduu, they fought TPLF forces for an entire day and emerged victorious.

Across the regimes of Haile Selassie, the Derg, and the EPRDF, he was repeatedly imprisoned and persecuted for standing up for the rights of his people.

His Character and Community Life

Obbo Goobasaa was a peacemaker, respected for mediating conflicts, facilitating blood money (gumaa) settlements, and helping those in need. After his brothers passed, he took responsibility for guiding and supporting their children and households.

He was also a successful merchant, known for his sharp business acumen, extensive travel for trade, and entrepreneurial spirit.

A man of the land and of fellowship, he was renowned for riding his mule across vast distances—from Koluu to Kilbee, Gundoo to Qamaxxee—to visit his wide circle of friends and companions, such as Waaqee Yaadatee, Gabbisaa Itichaa, and countless others.

His Passing

This revered Oromo elder and hero, Obbo Goobasaa Tuujjoo, passed away at the age of 124 on the night of November 26, 2018 (approximately November 26, 2018), at 9:00 PM. His funeral was held on November 28, 2018, at St. Michael’s Church in Alamganaa, Shaggar, attended by his family, relatives, and countless admirers.

May he rest in eternal peace. May strength and fortitude be granted to his family and loved ones.