Habta Mariam appointed family members to oversee regions like Gimbi, Aira, Guliso, Calia, Najo, and Mandi.

It first appeared on the 1903 map by Hughes Leroux as Mount G. The town was likely founded in the 1910s and initially served as a gébbi (administrative center) for the local Oromo Leeqaa under the rule of Gäbrä Égziýabéher Moroda.

[citation needed] The Oromia TV sub-station and the Gimbi Campus of Wollega University were opened by Regional president Abadula Gemeda 23 February 2009.

The Italian military's strategy included occupying the region, with troops arriving in Gimbi in October 1936 after a long march.

Missionaries like Erik and Gusti Söderström were forced to flee, witnessing Italian aircraft bombing the region during their retreat.

[9][10] Initially, Ras Imru found support from local leaders such as Fitawrari Yohannes Jote Tulu and Dejazmach Habte Maryam Gebre Egziabher, who governed the regions of Leqa, Wellega, respectively.

Despite this initial support, Dejazmach Habte Maryam, (local governor), fled to Gimbi, leaving the soldiers to handle the situation on their own.

Among the soldiers were Lieutenant Kifle Nesibu and Dr. Alemework Beyene, who managed to defuse an unexploded bomb and earned the respect of the local people.

This rumor frightened Dejazmach Habte Maryam and Fitawrari Mosa, prompting them to invite the soldiers to spend the rest of the rainy season in the local capital of Lekemt (also known as Nekemt).

It is believed that these locally rooted balabat, who held grudges due to losing their privileges or being imprisoned, were sympathetic to the Italian forces.