A group calling itself the “Kingdom of Kubala” is refusing to leave council-owned woodland near Jedburgh, Scotland, despite being served with an eviction notice.
Eviction Deadline Ignored
Scottish Borders Council had ordered the group to vacate the site by midday on Monday, after beginning legal action to remove them. However, by the afternoon, tents, camping equipment, and a campfire remained in place as the trio continued to occupy the land.
The group had previously camped on private land only metres away, but moved across a fence to council property after sheriff officers removed them last week.
Leaders Call Themselves “Royalty”
The camp is led by Kofi Offeh, 36, who styles himself as “King Atehene.” His wife, Jean Gasho, 43, calls herself “Queen Nandi,” while their associate, Kaura Taylor, refers to herself as “Asnat,” a “handmaiden.”
On Monday, the group sang songs around a fire. Ms Taylor told reporters the “king” would not speak to the media unless gifts were presented.
Legal Action Underway
Council officials confirmed they will now seek a sheriff’s order to enforce removal, as the group has ignored multiple ultimatums.
Scott Hamilton, deputy leader of Scottish Borders Council, said:
“Nobody is above the law and no matter how long this takes you can be guaranteed we will not cease.”
He added that the group had repeatedly refused to engage with the council or cooperate with legal proceedings.
Claiming Ancestral Rights
The self-styled “kingdom” has argued that they are reclaiming land stolen from their African ancestors 400 years ago. In a Facebook post on Friday, they declared:
“The Kingdom of Kubala can never be destroyed.”
Council Vows to Act
A spokesperson for Scottish Borders Council said:
“The legal process to remove the occupants from the council’s land has commenced and officers will proceed through the next steps as quickly as possible.”
