ADDIS ABABA – The East Hararghe Zone of Oromia State has announced that it has finalized preparations to renovate the prison building that once held LijI yasu, Ethiopia’s designated emperor from 1913 to 1916.
The East Hararghe Zone Culture and Heritage Conservation Department Head Seada Ibrahim told the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) that preparations have been completed to begin the renovation of the prison where Lij Iyasu was held under high-security surveillance after being deposed.
According to Seada, the department aims to generate tourism revenue by restoring this historic building, and all necessary preparations have been completed to commence the restoration soon.
She recalled that the building, which was constructed by Emperor Haile Selassie about 93 years ago on a 5,000-square-meter plot of land, has been endangered by both natural and manmade factors.
Ethiopian Heritage Authority (EHA) Expert Gebremariam Ananya stated that a committee comprising various stakeholders has assessed the level of heritage endangerment, and the renovation process will begin shortly.
Standard renovation work is set to launch within the next two months, with EHA covering the associated costs. The goal is to complete the renovation and open the site to visitors within six months, he added.
The prison of Lij Iyasu is located in Gurawa town, atop a hill. It is surrounded by a steep slope, with part of the area featuring a 90-degree cliff. Lij Iyasu Michael was the son of Ras Michael of Wollo and the grandson of Emperor Menelik II. He was proposed as Emperor of Ethiopia following the death of Menelik II. Although he was never officially crowned, he assumed power and ruled the country from 1913 to 1916.
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 19 APRIL 2025
