A Scottish sheriff has ordered the removal of a self-styled “African tribe” from privately-owned woodland near Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders.
The group, known as the self-proclaimed Kingdom of Kubala, has been camping in the area for several weeks, claiming they were reclaiming land allegedly taken from their ancestors 400 years ago. Authorities, however, say their presence is unlawful.
Sheriff Peter Paterson issued an eviction order, effective immediately, after the group failed to comply with a previous instruction to vacate the site by 17:00 on Monday. None of the members attended the Jedburgh Sheriff Court hearing, nor did they have legal representation.
The group is led by Ghanaian national Kofi Offeh, 36, and Jean Gasho, 42, originally from Zimbabwe, who refer to themselves as King Atehehe and Queen Nandi. They were later joined by Kaura Taylor, a U.S. national from Texas who identifies as Asnat, their “handmaiden.”
After first pitching camp on a hillside above Jedburgh in the spring, the trio were evicted in July by the Scottish Borders Council. Instead of leaving the area, they relocated a mile away to woodland adjacent to an industrial estate owned by David and Mary Palmer, who successfully sought legal action to remove them.
Local councillor Scott Hamilton, deputy leader of the council, said the group had consistently refused to engage with authorities.
“They have rebuffed every opportunity to engage with us,” he said. “We can help them, but we won’t sit back and let them break the law.”
Hamilton added that social media comments made by the group, alleging prejudice from the local community, had caused upset among residents.
Despite the ruling, Mr. Offeh said they were “not afraid” of the eviction order.
“The creator of the heavens and the earth is the one with us,” he told reporters at the campsite. “If the creator wants us to move from this land, he shall find us a place to go.”
The Kingdom of Kubala has gained a sizeable online following, with more than 100,000 TikTok and Facebook followers, and has attracted international media attention.
Source: BBC
