He supposedly fled Jigjiga after Iley refused to allow him to leave to perform out of the country.
Ali dhaanto was the face of the Liyuu band entertainment group that was able to recruit many former entertainers in MNPLs that use to perform at the Ogaden conventions yearly held in MNPLS and San Diego.
This would be a big blow on the side of the "peace" camp that were arguing things had changed (especially the Ittihad WSLF) in the region. If even the biggest fanaan in the region flees for his own safety, who will trust the Ethiopian govt?
This will further been cast shadow and doubt over Iley's administration, and may loose many supporters that were being wooed away from the ONLF camp convinced that things can be changed otherwise.