A self-styled African tribe has declared it will not abandon its encampment in a Scottish woodland despite a court order.
The three-person collective, calling itself the Kingdom of Kubala, claims to be reclaiming territory near Jedburgh that was taken from their forebears four centuries ago.
The self-proclaimed kingdom has occupied the Scottish Borders site for several weeks.
Their refusal to move comes after Sheriff Peter Paterson issued an immediate removal order at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Friday.
The group maintains their presence represents a rightful return to ancestral lands, though they face legal action for remaining on the property.
The collective consists of three individuals who have adopted royal titles.
Kofi Offeh, aged 36, identifies himself as King Atehene and leads the group.
His wife, Jean Gasho, 43, has taken the title Queen Nandi, and the third member, Kaura Taylor, refers to herself as Asnat and describes her role as handmaiden.
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A self-styled African tribe has declared it will not abandon its encampment in a Scottish woodland
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The trio failed to appear at Friday’s court proceedings and lacked legal representation.
Their absence came after they disregarded an earlier eviction notice requiring them to vacate the woodland by Monday at 5pm.
The civil proceedings were initiated when the group refused to comply with the initial removal request.
Following the warrant’s issuance, Mr Offeh expressed unwavering determination to remain at the site.
Part of a court course summons letter at the campsite in the woods near Jedburgh
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He said: “The creator of the heavens and the Earth is the one with us.”
The self-styled king dismissed the legal proceedings, referring to the institution as “the so-called court” and declaring: “We are not afraid of whatever the court – the so-called court – has granted.”
When questioned about potential relocation, Mr Offeh invoked divine authority, adding: “If the creator of the heavens and the Earth wants us to move from this land, he shall find us a place to go.”
The property owner pursued legal measures after exhausting other options, according to Jedburgh councillor Scott Hamilton.
The self-styled king dismissed the legal proceedings
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Mr Hamilton said: “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.”
The councillor emphasised that the landowner had “no option” except to seek court intervention following the group’s non-compliance.
Mr Hamilton urged community members to avoid interaction with the encampment whilst enforcement proceedings continue.
He said: “Whilst this next stage of the eviction process plays out, please can I remind people not to engage with this group.”