Mikael of Wollo

Military leader Negus Mikael of Wollo belonged to the Ethiopian Empire's nobility. Mohammed Ali was Ras Mikael's name when he was born as a Muslim in Wello/Wollo. His father was Imam Ali Abba Bula, an Oromo dynasty member and descendant of the Mahammadoch family. Woizero Gertie, his mother, was a member of the Warrahimano dynasty.

Sahle Maryam, who was six years older than Mohammed Ali and was too young to be crowned King of Shewa, became a close companion of Mohammed Ali. Mohammed Ali eventually became one of his devoted followers after he was given the title of Emperor Menelik II. As a result, Mohammed Ali was named governor of Wollo by Menelik in 1874. However, Mohammed found his position in jeopardy when he returned to Wollo from a campaign with Menelik in Gojjam. To protect his foundation of power, he made the decision to abandon his friend and ally with Yohannes IV, who was ready to march on Shewa and was probably going to defeat Menelik.

Ras Mikael participated in the Battle of Adwa in the First Italo-Ethiopian War in 1896 alongside Menelik, commanding the dreaded Wollo Oromo cavalry against the advancing Italians. A combat retreat by an Italian brigade started in the direction of the major Italian positions. However, by accident entering a small valley, Mikael's cavalry murdered the brigade while yelling "Reap! Reap!" The commander of the brigade's remains were never discovered.

(1850 - 1922)