1.1 Location

Dodola town is located in the southern part of Ethiopia in Oromia National Regional State, West Arsi zone, at a distance of 320 km from Addis Ababa and 75 km from Shashemene.  

1.2 Foundation

Dodola town was founded in 1909 in an area located 5 km from its current location. The main reason for relocation of the town to its current site is the lack of potable water for people and cattle in the previous place. The selection of the site for the town was said not to be accidental. As sources show the town was established purposely by placing corner stone in accordance with Geda system of the Oromo by Boku wishing that Dodola shall be a town that supports the development of the Oromo society.

Since its foundation the town was given different status. Until 1950 it served as capital of Gedeb Awraja under Harar province. The town got municipal status in 1954. Since 1960 until the end of the Dergue Regime the town served as capital city of the then Bale Province, Genale Awraja and Dodola wereda. Since the fall of the Dergue regime until 2003 the town continued to serve as wereda administration center. Finally when Proclamation No.65/2003 was issued for reforming urban centers in the region, Dodola was granted 2^nd category and started to be administered under city council and mayor.

 Dodola is one of the reform towns in the region and has a city administration, municipality and 6 kebeles. The town has Integrated Development Plan which was prepared in 2007.