In a story that has captured both national headlines and the attention of social media users around the world, a self-proclaimed "African tribe" known as the Kingdom of Kubala is refusing to leave a Scottish woodland despite a court order mandating their removal. The group, which has been camping near Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders for several weeks, insists they are reclaiming land stolen from their ancestors some 400 years ago—a claim that has sparked debate, legal action, and a flurry of online commentary.
The Kingdom of Kubala is made up of three individuals: Kofi Offeh, 36, who calls himself King Atehene; his wife, Jean Gasho, 43 (sometimes listed as 42 in official documents), who styles herself Queen Nandi; and Kaura Taylor, a Texan who refers to herself as Asnat, the group’s "handmaiden." Since their arrival in the region in the spring, they have maintained a visible presence, first camping on a hillside above Jedburgh before relocating about a mile away to a woodland next to an industrial estate after being evicted from their initial site by the Scottish Borders Council in July, according to BBC News.
The group’s claim to the land is rooted in their belief that it was taken from their ancestors centuries ago. Speaking to journalists at their campsite following the latest legal developments, Offeh declared, "The creator of the heavens and the Earth is the one with us. We are not afraid of whatever the court – the so-called court – has granted." When pressed on whether the group would comply with the eviction order, Offeh responded, "If the creator of the heavens and the Earth wants us to move from this land, he shall find us a place to go." These words, echoed across multiple media outlets, have become something of a rallying cry for their cause.
The legal battle reached its latest turning point on Friday, September 12, 2025, when Sheriff Peter Paterson issued an immediate eviction order at Jedburgh Sheriff Court. The order came after the group ignored a previous notice requiring them to leave the land by 5pm on Monday, September 8. None of the group’s members attended the court hearing, nor did they have legal representation, as reported by The Independent and Sky News. The civil action was initiated by landowners Mary and David Palmer, who sought the removal of the group on the grounds that they had no legal right or title to occupy the property.
During the hearing, the landowners’ lawyer, Conner McConnell, asked the sheriff to grant an order for the removal of the group and any associated individuals, as well as an interdiction to prevent them from occupying not only the current woodland but also other land owned by the Palmers. Sheriff Paterson stated he was "happy to grant a notice of eviction" with immediate effect, according to The Scotsman.
Despite the legal pressure, the Kingdom of Kubala has shown little sign of backing down. On the afternoon following the court order, the group was seen singing and chanting at their campsite, a scene they shared in a TikTok video that showed Offeh and Gasho dancing as they were served court papers by an official. Their online presence is no small matter—according to BBC News, the group has amassed more than 100,000 followers on TikTok and Facebook, drawing worldwide attention and sparking heated debate in the process.
Local authorities, meanwhile, have taken a firm stance. Jedburgh councillor Scott Hamilton, deputy leader of the Scottish Borders Council, has repeatedly emphasized that the group is breaking the law by occupying private land and has urged the public not to engage with them while the eviction process unfolds. "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," Hamilton said, as reported by Sky News. He further noted, "They have rebuffed every opportunity to engage with us. We can help them, but we won’t sit back and let them break the law."
Hamilton also addressed the impact of the group’s social media activity, acknowledging that their public allegations of prejudice against the local community have upset many residents. "Comments on social media by the group, which has made allegations of prejudice against the community, had upset a lot of people in the area," he told BBC News. The council’s advice has been clear: "Whilst this next stage of the eviction process plays out, please can I remind people not to engage with this group."
The Kingdom of Kubala’s defiance has not been limited to legal resistance. Jean Gasho, Queen Nandi, told reporters, "We’ve already been to jail for loving our children. Do you think chains frighten us?" Her statement, cited by The Scotsman, reflects the group’s willingness to endure legal consequences for what they view as a just cause.
The case has also highlighted the challenges faced by landowners dealing with unauthorized encampments. The Palmers, who own the woodland in question, were left with "no option" but to pursue legal action after the group ignored repeated requests and official notices to leave. The council’s spokesperson explained, "This week, the legal representative acting for the landowner of the wood in Jedburgh occupied by the three campers has served notice on them to leave. A deadline of 5pm on Monday 8 September 2025 was set. The three individuals failed to comply with the notice. We have been advised that an application has been lodged with the court to have an order granted by the sheriff."
As the legal process continues, safety measures remain in place around the encampment, and the council has reiterated its support for the landowners. The situation remains tense, with the Kingdom of Kubala steadfast in their refusal to move and local authorities determined to enforce the law. The group’s unique blend of ancestral claims, spiritual rhetoric, and social media savvy has made their standoff with the Scottish legal system a focal point for broader debates about land rights, protest, and community relations in the UK.
For now, the woodland near Jedburgh stands as the unlikely stage for a modern confrontation between personal conviction and the rule of law, watched by thousands online and monitored closely by local officials. Whether the Kingdom of Kubala will ultimately be removed by force, or whether some other resolution will emerge, remains to be seen.