A Sheriff has mandated the removal of a group identifying as an ‘African tribe’ from private property in the Scottish Borders region.
The trio, who call themselves the Kingdom of Kubala, have been residing in a wooded area near Jedburgh for several weeks.
They assert that they are reclaiming territory taken from their ancestors four centuries ago, though local authorities maintain their presence is unlawful.
The eviction directive, effective immediately, was issued by Sheriff Peter Paterson after the group disregarded a prior deadline to vacate the site by 5 p.m. on Monday.
None of the group’s representatives appeared at Jedburgh Sheriff Court, nor did they have legal counsel.
Kofi Offeh, 36, originally from Ghana, and Jean Gasho, 42, who hails from Zimbabwe, arrived in the Jedburgh vicinity during spring.
Identifying themselves as King Atehehe and Queen Nandi, they established their camp on a hillside overlooking the town.
They were later joined by Kaura Taylor from Texas, who refers to herself as Asnat and serves as their “handmaiden.”
The group claims ancestral entitlement to the land and proclaims the establishment of the Kingdom of Kubala.
Scottish Borders Council initially removed the trio from the hillside location in July.
Instead of leaving the area entirely, they relocated roughly a mile away to a forested site adjacent to an industrial estate.
According to the BBC, the landowners, David and Mary Palmer, successfully petitioned the courts to have the group evicted.
However, the council reported that the group failed to comply with the court’s order to vacate by the specified deadline.
Jedburgh councillor Scott Hamilton emphasized that the group’s occupation of private land constitutes a legal violation.
He noted that the landowners were compelled to seek judicial intervention due to the group’s refusal to leave voluntarily.
Mr. Hamilton, who serves as the council’s deputy leader, expressed disappointment-but not surprise-at the group’s defiance of the eviction notice.
“They have declined every chance to engage with us,” he stated.
“While we are willing to offer assistance, we cannot allow unlawful occupation to continue.”
He also mentioned that the group’s social media posts, which include accusations of local prejudice, have caused distress among community members.
The so-called “tribe” has cultivated a significant online following, boasting over 100,000 followers across TikTok and Facebook, and has attracted international media coverage.
Speaking from their campsite after the eviction order was announced, Mr. Offeh declared the group’s resolve.
“We place our trust in the creator of the heavens and the earth,” he said. “We are unafraid of the court’s decision-what they call a court.”
When asked about their future plans, the self-styled king responded, “If the creator wills for us to leave this land, He will guide us to a new place.”
