Abdi Eissa

Abdi Eissa Adan Dhamal, also known as Abdi Gahayr or simply Abdi Eissa was a prominent 18th-century leader, religious scholar, and military commander from the Isaaq clan-family, particularly associated with the House of Guled of the Garhajis,Eidagale sub-clan. He was born into the Adan Dhamal Noble Family at a time of growing tensions between the Isaaq clans and their neighbors, notably the Absame tribes and the Ogaden, as well as the waning Tol Jeclo dynasty, which had previously held dominance over many Isaaq territories.

He was a part of the commanders of the Lafaruug War, but soon the commanders of the war died in battle. The king of the Isaaqs at the time, King Harun, known as Dhuh Barar, appointed him as the new commander of the Isaaq forces.

Overthrow of the Tol Je’lo Dynasty Despite Abdi Eissa’s initial good relations with the king and the monarchy—being among the most powerful people and the head of a noble family—he would soon come to resent the king’s oppressive and greedy rule. He became part of a growing movement against the king.

Later life and legacy Despite declining the position of sultan, he continued to rule the Isaaqs as a regent for his very young son, Sultan Guled, until Guled came of age and ruled in his own right. He later died, leaving a lasting legacy on the Isaaqs, with his noble family, the Adan Dhamal, still holding prestige.

His son would go on to be the founder and head of the House of Guled, which to this day holds the title of Grand Sultan of Isaaq.