History

The city of Jimma was established in 1830.  It was founded by king Abba Jifaar the 1st.  Abba Jifaar had  ruled Jimma from 1830-1854.  Since then Jimma has been named by the name “Jimma Abba Jifaar.”

Jimma is one of the oldest cities in Ethiopia.  It is 184 years old.  Its surrounding city Agaro is known for being the origin of coffee in the world.  Further more the people have different skills such as making an artful cloth, metal work and wood works.  Due to this skill full works and existence of coffee it has became the centre of trade both with in the country & in abroad. Jimma’s location is strategic. Because it is connected with the cities of south western part in all direction it is also the center of trade.

The society has long historical back ground which is glorious.  However, the development of the city has been retarded until 1995 E.C. The city has got the right to administer itself by Oromiya regional state by decree no 65/1995(proclaimed in 2003).  Then it has made reform on its organization and establishes other sector offices in addition to the municipality. The reform gave mandate to establish its own cabinets decide on its budget & exercise its power.  Jimma has great potential for investment & tourism.  Hence to inform the past & the existing situation of the city this profile has been prepared.

Ancient Civilization of Jimma

  1. During the rule of Abba Jifaar the 2nd (1875-1933) there was skill of making metal works, artful cloths & wood work.  Abba Jifaar has developed the skill of their worker and has invented a digging equipment known as “Akafa”.  Akafa was made in Ethiopia for the 1st time in jimma.
  2. The minerals needed for the making of “akafa” and other equipments had been brought from the nearby woredas such as Xiroo Afata and Omonada which are about 45 km far.
  3. The telephone has also introduced during his rule (A/Jifar the 2nd).
  4. Further more during Abba Jifaar the 2nd different types of artful clothes have been made.  The then Ethiopian king minilkik the 2nd & the queen xayitu has also sent their written appreciation for skillful works of Abba Jifaar.
  5. The wood work skill of the time was appreciable & it still exists.

The Establishemnt of the 5 Gibee states

In the 18th century the 5 Gibe states (shanaan Gibe) was established.  These states were ruled by local kings.  These 5 Gibe states are Jimma, Gomma, Gumay, Gera & Limmu enariya.  Jimma was one of the 5 Gibe states.  The rulers of Jimmaa during the 5 Gibe states era were

  1. Abba Farroo Kobilee ------------------- 1742-1787
  2. Abba Magal Abba Farro -------------- 1787-1827
  3. Abba Rago Abba Magal -------------- 1828-1830
  4. Abba Jifar Abba Magal ---------------- 1830-1854
  5. Abba Reebu Abba Jifaar ------------   1854-1858
  6. Abba BooqaAbba Magaal ---------     1858-1862
  7. Abba Gomol Abba Booqa ------------ 1862-187
  8. Abba Jifar    Abba  Gommol---------  1875-1933

Establishment of the municipality

The municipality of Jimma was established in 1942 by decree   NO 1/1942. The mandates given for the municipality are mainly to work on social & economic problem of the city. Further more during 1945 the Ethiopian government has provided the status of municipality for 6 cities in Ethiopia.  These are Addis Ababa, Gondar, Dire Dawa, Haraar,  Dessie and Jimma.  This indicates that in 1945 Jimma was one of the best six cities in Ethiopia.  However the development of Jimma was lagging behind the other cities.  From the time of its establishment up to the present Jimma has been administered by 27 mayors.  These are listed in the order of  their ruling:-

  1. Negadiras Jemaneh Yemiru (1942)
  2. Ato Gugsaa Mekkonnen
  3. Ato   Kebede Yimer
  4.  Kenyazimach Kebede Rufael
  5.   Ato Teferi H/Mika’el
  6.  Ato Melaku Yeteshawork
  7.  Ato  Tilahun Cherinet
  8.  Fitawurarii Kiflee Inqusilassie
  9.  Ato Arega Getahun
  10.  Kenyazimach W/Mariyaam Nemera
  11.  Shalaqa Hayile Mariyam Leenco
  12.  Kenyazimach Yoseef Serda
  13.  Ato Dasalegne Zawuduu
  14.  Ato Getachew Mekuriya
  15.  Ato Tesfaye Siguar
  16.   Ato   Ardamis Sahilee
  17.   Ato   Mohamad Umaar
  18.   Ato    Bahiru  Mangashaa
  19. Ato Lellisaa Gulumaa
  20. Team of leaders during tranistinal period
  21. Ato Abdella Ahimad
  22. Ato Najib Mohamad
  23. Ato Badiru Mohamad Nur
  24. Ato Bogale Negash
  25. Ato Nejib Sheekii
  26. Ato Ahimad Abba Gissaa
  27. Ato Semman Abba Gojjam
  28. Ato Shemalis Kabede
  29. Ato Solomon  Abebe
  30. Ahimad  Huseen
  31. Shafi Huseen
  32. Makkiyuu Mahammad
  33. Tijjani Nasiir
  34. Najiib A/Rayya

During   the derg regim (the X-Government) the city was having 21 kebeles, which were named  by numerals. But after the reform the number of kebeles has been reduced to 13 and they began to be named by their historical names the name of each kebele has historical meanings. The kebels are also empowered by decentralization of power.