A group known as the Kingdom of Kubala, led by Kofi Offeh, also referred to as King Atehene, has set up camp in woodland near Jedburgh, Scotland. The group claims the land was stolen from their ancestors 400 years ago and they're reclaiming it. Despite receiving an eviction notice from Scottish Borders Council, they've vowed to stay, insisting they don't recognize local laws.
The Kingdom's Claims
- *Ancestral Ties*: The group believes their ancestors were deported by Queen Elizabeth I, forcing them into exile across the Americas and Africa.
- *Spiritual Movement*: They portray themselves as a spiritual movement reconnecting with African traditions.
- *Land Ownership*: King Atehene claims the land belongs to their creator, and no human can tell them otherwise ¹ ².
The Eviction Notice
- *Scottish Borders Council*: The council has begun fresh legal proceedings to evict the group from council-owned land.
- *Previous Evictions*: The group has been evicted twice before, but they re-established their camp on council property.
- *Defiance*: The Kingdom of Kubala has ignored repeated ultimatums from authorities, sparking concerns about their mental health and well-being.
Concerns and Reactions
- *Safety Measures*: Authorities have stressed safety measures remain in place around the woodland, warning the public not to confront or interact with the group.
- *Local Reaction*: Some locals are confused and frustrated, questioning why the group chose this particular patch of woodland.
- *Council Response*: Scottish Borders Council Deputy Leader Scott Hamilton has condemned the group's refusal to comply, emphasizing that the law will take its course ² ³.
