Ghanaian self-styled royal group of Kubala Kingdom from Jedburgh site, have been evicted by Scottish Immigration officers after court ban on reoccupying private land.
Kofi Offeh, 36, originally from Ghana, was escorted away by officers on Thursday morning near Jedburgh, along with 21-year-old American national Kaura Taylor. His partner, 42-year-old Jean Gasho from Zimbabwe, followed the pair as they were taken to waiting police vans.
The group had been living in makeshift shelters since May, styling themselves as the rulers of the so-called “Kingdom of Kubala.” Offeh and Gasho, who referred to themselves as King Atehehe and Queen Nandi, claimed they were reclaiming land “stolen from their ancestors” centuries ago. They had been broadcasting their activities online, appealing for donations, and rejecting the authority of local courts and councils.
Scottish Borders Council confirmed that police, sheriff officers, and other agencies were present during Thursday’s operation. Councillor Scott Hamilton, deputy leader of the council, said the intervention brought relief to the local community. “There are still a few things at play, but I think this morning has been a good result for the community and for them as well,” he said.
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The removal followed months of legal disputes. The trio had ignored two previous eviction notices and did not attend a hearing at Selkirk Sheriff Court this week. Sheriff Peter Paterson subsequently banned them from returning to the land and ordered them to cover court costs.
Photographs showed Offeh and Taylor being led away in handcuffs, while Gasho carried a backpack as she left the site voluntarily. The council said the woodland camp is now being cleared.
Taylor’s family in the United States had earlier raised concerns about her welfare. Relatives accused Offeh and Gasho of manipulating her online and said she was reported missing after flying to the UK earlier this year. Described as a “handmaiden” and Offeh’s second wife, Taylor was often seen cooking and cleaning at the camp while the couple performed rituals, chanting and dancing.
Despite their eviction, the group has insisted in online posts that their “kingdom can never be destroyed” and that they are following “the laws of the creator.”
Africa Daily News, New York
