A sheriff has issued a warrant for the removal of a self-proclaimed "tribe" from private woodland near Jedburgh, following a legal action initiated by the landowner. The order was granted on Friday at Jedburgh Sheriff Court and is to be enforced immediately. The group, known as the "Kingdom of Kubala," consists of three individuals: Kofi Offeh, who calls himself "King Atehene"; his wife, Jean Gasho, known as "Queen Nandi"; and their "handmaiden," Kaura Taylor, who uses the name "Asnat".
The group has been camping on the property for several weeks, claiming they are a "lost tribe" reclaiming land they assert was stolen from their ancestors 400 years ago. The legal action was taken after the trio failed to comply with an earlier eviction notice, which had set a deadline of 5 p.m. on Monday, September 8.
Jedburgh councillor Scott Hamilton stated that the landowner was left with "no option" but to seek a court order. Although none of the group members were present in court, they were served with the court papers at their campsite.
In a video posted by the group, Offeh and Gasho were seen singing and dancing while being served the documents. Speaking to reporters at their camp, Offeh expressed defiance against the court's decision, stating, "The creator of the heavens and the Earth is the one with us. And we are not afraid of whatever the court—the so-called court—has granted." When asked about the possibility of being removed from the land, he responded, "Let them do their worst." The group has gained a significant following on social media, where they document their lives and their "kingdom".
The local council and police have been working with the landowner to resolve the situation and have advised the public not to engage with the group.