Macha-Tulama Cooperative and Development Association (USA)’s Statement on the Passing Away of Ob. Bekele Nadhi

The following is a statement from Macha Tulama Cooperative and Development Association, USA Inc.

Macha Tulama Cooperative and
Development Association, USA Inc.

February 15, 2014

It is with great sadness that we, members of Macha Tulama Cooperative and Development Association USA, write regarding the passing away of an Oromo National and great leader, Obbo Bekele Nadhi on February 11, 2014. Obbo Bekele was 80 years old. We send our condolences to his immediate family and the Oromo family at large. Obbo Bekele was a lawyer, who made considerable impact to Macha Tulama efforts in fighting for Oromo rights.

Obbo Bekele Nadhi was part of the original leadership of the parent organization in Oromia. After passing away of our Macha Tulama President, Colonel Alemu Qixxessa, Obbo Bekele was temporarily appointed Macha Tulama’s President. He stepped down to give way for the next President, Dr Gemachu Megersa. During Dr Gemechu’s term, some internal challenges impacted Macha Tulama. Obbo Bekele played a role in facilitating early elections to resolve the challenges.

Obbo Bekele fought for individual Oromo groups as well as the re-establishment of Macha Tulama after illegal closures by the Ethiopian Government. Obbo Bekele was also instrumental in having some of Macha Tulama leaders released from Ethiopian prison.

During the 2000 Macha Tulama meeting in Finfinne, Obbo Bekele Nadhi spoke on the need to advocate for the return of Finfinne to Oromia (2000 Macha Tulama Meeting). At that time, the Ethiopian government pushed to remove Finfinne from the Oromo regional state.

Obbo Bekele stated the Ethiopian system operated illegally in forced evacuations of Oromo from their homes in Finfinne, thereby requiring return to Oromia. Obbo Bekele summarized the relationship of Finfinne to Oromia by the statement “Finfinne handhuurra Oromoo.”

Obbo Bekele Nadhi Speaking at the 2000 Macha-Tulama Meeting in Finfinnee

The courage and willingness to stand for his fellow Oromo was evident throughout Obbo Bekele’s life (Bekele Nadhi, a pioneer Oromo leader and activist, dies at 80 – OPride), He was a role model for Oromo through the use of his profession for the enabling of Oromo institutions. Obbo Bekela will be greatly missed.

Sincerely,

Mardaasa Addisu
Secretary of Macha-Tulama Cooperative and
Development Association, USA, Inc.

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Macha-Tulama Meeting in Finfinnee in Defense of Finfinnee (2000):
               
                       

Obbo Bekele Nadhi Speaking at the 2000 Macha-Tulama Meeting in Finfinnee