Regarding the Passing of Comrade Dr. Taddasaa (Fidoo) Eebbaa (OLF-OLA Press Release)
May 3, 2022
The OLF-OLA is deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Dr. Taddasaa Eebbaa, one of the pioneers of the Oromo struggle for national liberation. Dr. Fido was one of the very few founding members of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF).
Born in Western Oromia, Dr. Fidoo attended primary education in Najjoo town and completed high school in Jimma. A hard-working, bright, and disciplined student, he earned his B. Sc. Degree from Haramaya University, M. Sc. From Wisconsin State University in the USA, and his Ph.D. degree in Genetics from British Columbia University in Canada and returned home to serve his people. His return home was short-lived as his Oromo nationalist views made him an object of harassment and intimidation by the Dergue regime whereupon he went into exile and joined the OLF leadership in Sudan, in 1979.
One of the founders of our organization, the OLF, Dr. Fidoo served his people and the front with exceptional dedication and excellence for over four decades in various capacities at different times: as a member of the Central Committee (Gumii Sabaa), member of the Executive Committee (Shanee Gumii), Headof Finance, and as Head of the Foreign Affairs department of the OLF.
On this day, as we mourn the passing of this celebrated son of the Oromo Nation, we at the OLF-OLA, honor his accomplishments as a scholar and as a freedom fighter. We eulogize his profound impact on the progress our struggle has made during his tenure. We particularly remember, with pride and reverence, Dr. Fidoo’s vital contributions to the opening and sustenance of the Western Command of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) during the brutal struggle against the Dergue dictatorship in the 1980s, long before most parts of Western Oromia came under the control of the OLA as we know it today.
Dr. Fidoo, both as an individual and a symbol of the Oromo struggle for liberation, will remain one of the giants of our national movement for freedom and dignity. His passing will not hinder the inspiration his life’s work holds for the Oromo people. The OLF-OLA will strive to honor his legacy, and that of all the fallen heroes and heroines of our national movement, with a new generation of Oromo leaders.
With the passing of this veteran of our struggle, we call upon all sons and daughters of our nation to join us in reaffirming our oath to the Oromo cause, to our people, and to each other.
The OLF-OLA would like to offer its sincerest sympathies to his family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
May He Rest in Peace!
OLF-OLA High Command