Self-styled African tribe vows to remain despite removal order
The leader of a self-styled African tribe living in a Scottish woodland has vowed his group will not leave despite a sheriff court ordering their eviction.
The three members of the so-called Kingdom of Kubala have been camped near Jedburgh, in the Scottish Borders, for several weeks.
Eviction order issued
On Friday morning, Sheriff Peter Paterson issued a warrant for the immediate removal of the encampment. The civil action followed repeated warnings to vacate the site, including an eviction notice earlier in the week which the group ignored.
None of the individuals appeared in Jedburgh Sheriff Court for the hearing, and they were not legally represented.
The group’s stance
Speaking defiantly from the woodland campsite, leader Kofi Offeh, 36, who styles himself as King Atehene, declared the group would not move unless directed by “the creator of the heavens and the Earth.”
He said: “We are not afraid of whatever the court – the so-called court – has granted. If the creator of the heavens and the Earth wants us to move from this land, he shall find us a place to go.”
Who they are
The “kingdom” is made up of Mr Offeh, his wife Jean Gasho, 43, who calls herself Queen Nandi, and their “handmaiden” Kaura Taylor, who has adopted the name Asnat.
They claim they are reclaiming land they believe was stolen from their ancestors 400 years ago, though have provided no historical or legal evidence to support the claim.
Local reaction
Jedburgh councillor Scott Hamilton said the landowner had been left with “no option” but to pursue legal action.
He added: “The council will be supporting the landowner through the next steps and all the additional safety measures will remain in place until this situation is resolved. Whilst this next stage of the eviction process plays out, please can I remind people not to engage with this group.”
Previous notices ignored
Earlier in the week, an eviction deadline of 5pm on Monday was issued, but the three members of the encampment refused to comply. The sheriff’s warrant now gives the landowner the legal power to remove them.
A self-declared kingdom
On social media, the group has portrayed itself as a spiritual movement reconnecting with African traditions. Mr Offeh has described himself as a monarch restoring justice for his people.
However, locals have expressed confusion and frustration, with some questioning why the group chose a quiet patch of woodland near Jedburgh to make their stand.
Wider context
This is not the first time Scotland has seen unusual encampments. In previous years, self-styled sovereign citizens and activists claiming alternative land rights have sparked legal disputes. Legal experts note that under Scots law, private landowners are well within their rights to seek eviction through the sheriff court.
Safety concerns
Authorities have stressed that safety measures remain in place around the woodland, with warnings issued to the public not to confront or interact with the group.
What happens next
The eviction order is effective immediately, meaning enforcement officers could remove the group at any time. However, the process often depends on coordination between the landowner, local council, and police.
For now, the trio insists they will not move voluntarily.
A defiant message
As he stood outside his tent in the woodland clearing, Mr Offeh repeated his vow to stay: “This land belongs to the creator. No man can tell us otherwise.”
