A sheriff's eviction order targets the self-proclaimed Kingdom of Kubala, camping illegally in the Scottish Borders amid claims of ancestral land rights.
A sheriff has issued an eviction warrant against a self-identified group, known as the Kingdom of Kubala, who have been camping on private land in the Scottish Borders near Jedburgh. The order was finalized on Friday morning at the Jedburgh Sheriff Court, with Sheriff Peter Paterson stating the warrant would take effect immediately.
Details of the Eviction Order
Members of the Kingdom of Kubala have occupied the woodland area for several weeks, claiming to reclaim land that belonged to their ancestors over 400 years ago. The group consists of three individuals: Kofi Offeh, 36, who claims the title of King Atehene; his wife, Jean Gasho, 43, who refers to herself as Queen Nandi; and Kaura Taylor, who calls herself Asnat.
Notably, they were absent from court proceedings and did not secure legal representation.
The eviction order follows a previous notice issued to the group, which gave them until 5 PM on Monday, September 8, to vacate the premises. The sheriff’s court was informed that the campers ignored this ultimatum, prompting the landowner to seek legal intervention.
Statements from Local Officials
Jedburgh councillor Scott Hamilton commented on the situation, stating the landowner had no choice but to pursue an eviction warrant due to the group’s failure to comply with earlier instructions. “This is disappointing but I can’t say it isn’t surprising given the group’s previous behaviour,” Hamilton said. He emphasized the importance of the landowner’s rights and stated that the council would support the necessary next steps to resolve the situation.
A spokesperson for Borders Council confirmed that legal notice had been served to the campers, reiterating the deadline that had been set. “The three individuals failed to comply with the notice,” the spokesperson stated, confirming that an application for an eviction order had been lodged with the court.
Reactions and Next Steps
Following the issuance of the eviction warrant, the group posted a video on TikTok, displaying a defiant attitude as they were served with court papers. In the video, Offeh and Gasho can be seen singing and dancing, seemingly unfazed by the legal proceedings against them.
As this situation continues to develop, local authorities are urging residents and onlookers to refrain from engaging with the group during the eviction process. Additional safety measures will remain in place until the matter is resolved, emphasizing the seriousness of the sheriff’s order.
