Scottish Council Moves to Evict “Kingdom of Kubala”

Scottish Borders Council launches fresh eviction proceedings against the “Kingdom of Kubala” (Image source)

Scottish Borders Council has launched fresh court proceedings to evict three members of the self-styled “Kingdom of Kubala” from woodland near Jedburgh, following their removal from private land and immediate relocation onto council property.

A sheriff issued the second eviction warrant on 16 September after Ghanaian Kofi Offeh (36), Zimbabwean-born Jean Gasho (43), and American Kaura Taylor—who style themselves as King Atehene, Queen Nandi, and Asnat the handmaiden—set up camp on council-owned land just metres from their previous encampment. The group claims they are reclaiming territory “stolen from our ancestors 400 years ago.”

Council Response

Deputy council leader Scott Hamilton confirmed legal action in a statement posted on social media:“The individuals complied with the court order by vacating private land, then moved to our property. As this location is council-owned, we have commenced eviction proceedings in the interests of public safety. Nobody is above the law, and we will not cease.”

Council officers, supported by Police Scotland, first removed the trio from private woodland on 16 September. Within hours, the group climbed a wire fence onto adjacent council land and rebuilt their tents. Hamilton said officers “rebuffed every opportunity to engage” and must now return to Jedburgh Sheriff Court to enforce the new eviction order.

Legal and Financial Penalties

Witnesses report no violence during the second removal, but tensions remain high. A council legal adviser warns the group faces fines of up to £1,000 per day under the Trespass (Scotland) Act, plus legal costs.

Offeh told BBC Scotland that he “commands” the land in the name of Kubala and will resist all attempts to oust him. The group declines interviews, stating they speak only to “those who bring gifts.”

Origins of the “Kingdom”

The Kingdom of Kubala emerged in spring 2025 when the trio first settled on privately owned woodland above Jedburgh. They claimed ancestral Highland lands, prompting an eviction notice on 8 September. Sheriff Peter Paterson granted a removal order that same day, leading to their initial expulsion.

Within a week, they re-established camp—first on private land, then on council property—each time triggering new legal actions. Authorities offered housing, welfare support and mediation, but say the group refused all assistance. Mental-health experts have raised concerns about their well-being, noting that Taylor was reported missing in the US prior to joining the “tribe.”

Wider Implications

The case highlights scant protections for councils when trespassers exploit adjacent parcels of land. Jedburgh councillor Eleanor McGregor warned that unchecked “move-and-remain” tactics could inspire other itinerant groups to sidestep eviction orders simply by shifting across property lines.

“This is not just about one camp; it’s about upholding the rule of law,” McGregor said.

Local businesses also fear prolonged legal battles could tarnish Jedburgh’s tourism reputation. Bed-and-breakfast owners reported cancellations after the initial eviction was publicised online, while foot-traffic to nearby attractions dropped by 15 percent, according to the Jedburgh Chamber of Commerce.

Next Steps

Scottish Borders Council has filed a petition for interdict and enforcement of the newly issued eviction warrant. A hearing is scheduled for 22 September at Jedburgh Sheriff Court. If the group fails to vacate, bailiffs will be authorised to dismantle structures and seize belongings. The council also seeks a civil penalty against any aid stations allegedly set up to sustain the camp.

As Judge Paterson considers the petition, all eyes are on Jedburgh—where a dispute over woodland has become a flashpoint for debates on ancestral claims, local governance and the limits of trespass law.