Dabbasa Guyyoo (also known as Abba Dabbasaa Guyyoo Saffaroo) was a highly revered Oromo elder, scholar, and spiritual leader, celebrated for his mastery and preservation of the Gadaa system—the traditional Oromo governance and social structure. He was born in the Borana region of Oromia, Ethiopia, and became renowned for his deep knowledge of Oromo oral history, philosophy, cultural traditions, and indigenous religion.

He was born and raised where the Gadaa system is practiced, and he had lived within its traditions in his entire life. Through Argaa-dhageettii, he learned what Gadaa was, what it contained, and the depth of Oromo history and custom. He realized there was nothing greater or more historic than Oromo wisdom. He stored this knowledge in his mind, and he believe if one saw and understood a truth—especially one concerning the rights and identity of a people—one had a duty to pass it on. That was what he do to this day.

Gadaa System Scholar and Teacher

– Dabbasa Guyyoo was widely recognized as a guardian and intellectual authority of the Gadaa system, dedicating decades to teaching its rituals, history, and ethical principles to new generations and Oromo communities worldwide.

– He founded organizations such as *ARGAA DHAGEETTII GADAA OROMOO* in Kenya, working to preserve Oromo heritage and mentor both scholars and ordinary people in Oromo traditions and moral values.

– Dabbasa was a living repository of Oromo history and was admired for his ability to recall events and cultural knowledge with precision, often serving as an informant and guide to researchers and students of Gadaa heritage.

International Outreach and Cultural Advocacy

– Throughout his life, Dabbasa traveled extensively—teaching and presenting on Oromo culture, Gadaa philosophy, and traditional ways of peace-building in countries such as the United States, Guatemala, Russia, and Norway.

– He played a crucial role in intercultural dialogues, drawing connections between the Oromo experience and other indigenous peoples globally.

– Dabbasa’s teachings emphasized unity, impartiality, and respect for communal and ethical values, making him a key figure in promoting non-sectarian Oromo identity and consensus-building.

Mysterious Disappearance

– On September 27, 2015, after attending the Irreecha (Oromo Thanksgiving) festival in Nairobi, Kenya, Dabbasa Guyyoo disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

– His disappearance shocked the Oromo community and is regarded as a symbol of the challenges faced by Oromo intellectuals and activists.

– Despite the loss, Dabbasa Guyyoo’s influence endures through his students, writings, and the ongoing revival of Oromo cultural practices he inspired.

Dabbasa Guyyoo is remembered as a bridge-builder, teacher, and advocate for Oromo culture, justice, and peace—his legacy remains a vital resource for Oromo identity and the preservation of Ethiopia’s indigenous democratic traditions.

Dabbasa Guyyo was a living repository of Oromo knowledge. Born and raised in the heartland of the Gadaa system in southern Oromia, he dedicated his life to understanding and teaching its principles. For the past 27 years, he lived as a refugee, yet he never ceased his role as an educator. Through Argaa-dhageettii—knowledge gained by “seeing and hearing”—he transmitted the truths of Oromo history, law, and custom. Throughout his life, he carried a vital message for the younger generation: “A person who doesn’t know his own culture cannot cross the river of life with the knowledge of others.”