Sheriff grants eviction order against ‘African tribe’ in Borders woodland

At Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, Sheriff Peter Paterson granted the order against the so-called Kingdom of Kubala, saying it would take effect immediately. The group, which has been occupying woodland for several weeks, claims it is reclaiming land stolen from its ancestors 400 years ago.

The civil action was raised after the group ignored an earlier eviction notice requiring them to leave by 5pm on 8 September. The three members are leader Kofi Offeh, 36, who calls himself King Atehene, his wife Jean Gasho, 43, known as Queen Nandi, and Kaura Taylor, described as “handmaiden” Asnat.

Solicitor Conner McConnell, representing landowners Mary and David Palmer, told the court his clients were seeking the “removal of occupiers on the basis of no right to title”.

He asked the sheriff: “First to grant an order to remove the offenders, their family, any subtenant and any dependents, together with any goods and possessions. Second the pursuers seek interdiction against the offenders preventing them from occupying the (land) and also (land) under a separate title owned by the pursuers.”

Sheriff Paterson said he was “happy to grant a notice of eviction” with immediate effect. None of the three attended the hearing or had legal representation.

Speaking at the camp afterwards, Mr Offeh said the group was “not afraid” of the warrant. “The creator of the heavens and the Earth is the one with us,” he said. “And we are not afraid of whatever the court – the so-called court – has granted.” Asked if they would relocate, he replied: “If the creator of the heavens and the earth wants us to move from this land, he shall find us a place to go.”

Earlier footage posted on TikTok showed Mr Offeh and Ms Gasho singing and dancing as they were served with court papers by an official.

Jedburgh councillor Scott Hamilton said the landowner had been left with “no option” but to seek an order. “The group of campers have clearly ignored the ultimatum given by the sheriff officers on Friday September 5,” he said.

“This is disappointing but I can’t say it isn’t surprising given the group’s previous behaviour. They now leave the landowner no option but to apply for a warrant and interdict. 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.”