Second eviction notice served to self-styled 'Kingdom of Kubala' in Scottish woods

A self-proclaimed “African tribe” camping in woodland near Jedburgh, Scotland, has received a second eviction notice amid a long-running dispute that has drawn local attention and sparked debate about land rights and cultural identity.

The group, calling itself the Kingdom of Kubala and led by Kofi Offeh, 36, along with his wife Jean Gasho, 43, who styles herself Queen Nandi, and their ally Kaura Taylor, 21, have lived on land several miles from Jedburgh since May. They were previously moved off private land by sheriff officers, but instead of leaving, they relocated about 30 yards away, onto ground owned by the council. Scottish Borders Council has since issued a fresh eviction order after taking action in a civil case.

In footage filmed by residents who identify with the group’s leadership, officials can be seen approaching the camp to hand over letters informing them of the latest order. The official stated: “The council have been to court and they’re asking for an interdict and an eviction from this land, because they’re the owners. We’ve given you two days notice, so you’ll have to seek legal advice. If you don’t attend the court, you will be looking at eviction next week.” The document was delivered to the self-styled king, while Ms Gasho commented to Mr Offeh, who was seated on a makeshift throne: “What is going on my lord? They just dropped that on you.” She added: “This is really bizarre. Some sort of papers have been dropped here, which are obviously not going to be opened.”

The Kingdom of Kubala has said it is appealing to reclaim a homeland displaced from the Scottish Highlands around 400 years ago. The trio has argued that their ancestors were forced out, and they claim to have returned to Scotland to restore what they say was taken from them after Queen Elizabeth I ordered the eviction of the “black Jacobites” in 1596. After being ordered off the private land last week by Sheriff Peter Patterson, they declared they were “not scared of jail.”

Officials say the council’s court action seeks an interdict and an eviction order from land owned by the local authority. As part of that process, the group has been told to pay costs, but Offeh said: “We have no money. We do not use any currency, they can take it from our donations. We are not scared of jail.” The group did not attend court on Friday, and journalists later informed them of the immediate extraction decree.

Locals have offered mixed opinions about the Kingdom of Kubala’s presence. Some residents have left offerings such as Irn Bru and shortbread at the camp, while others have described the group as delusional or disruptive. The encampment’s location has shifted several times since May: initially on land owned by Scottish Borders Council, then onto private land near an industrial estate, and most recently onto council land from which the council is pursuing eviction.

The dispute highlights tensions between local authorities, citizens and individuals who frame their residence in terms of historical grievance. As the eviction deadline looms, officials say court action remains the mechanism to resolve the matter, while supporters and opponents alike watch to see how the situation unfolds and whether the Kingdom of Kubala will relocate once again or contest the order in court. The wider community continues to watch how authorities balance public safety, property rights and the group’s unusual narrative in a rural part of Scotland.