Lij Iyasu was the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1913 to 1916. His reign was short-lived and controversial due to his policies and remarks, which were seen as provocative and sympathetic to Islam and the anti-colonial movements. As a result, he was overthrown and placed under house arrest by a coalition of Ethiopian noblemen, who appointed Empress Zewditu as the new ruler.

There have been calls for the rehabilitation of Lij Iyasu and a revision of his legacy to reflect his efforts to modernize Ethiopia and promote equality among different ethnic and religious groups. Some argue that he was unfairly demonized by the traditionalist noblemen who resented his liberal views and wanted to maintain their privileged positions in society. They also cite his efforts to establish diplomatic ties with other African and Muslim countries as evidence of his visionary leadership.

However, others believe that Lij Iyasu's actions were a threat to Ethiopia's independence and cultural identity, which were under siege by the European colonial powers. They argue that his initiatives to abolish slavery, encourage intermarriage between Christians and Muslims, and consider Ethiopia as a part of the global community, were misguided and naive. Instead, they propose a more conservative and cautious approach that preserves the traditional values and customs of Ethiopia.

In summary, the reform of Lij Iyasu's reputation is a complicated and divisive issue that reflects the tensions between modernity and tradition, nationalism and globalization, and religious and cultural diversity. Whether Lij Iyasu is seen as a hero or a villain, his legacy is a reminder of the challenges faced by Ethiopia and other African countries in navigating the complex and changing world.