A self-proclaimed king of an “African tribe” and his followers have been forced out of a forest in Jedburgh, Scotland, by immigration authorities after months of living in the forest.
Eviction Following Legal Orders
The 36-year-old Ghanaian man, Kofi Offeh, who referred to himself as King Atehene, along with Jean Gasho from Zimbabwe and Kaura Taylor from Texas, had been residing in the forest since May.
The trio had been served two eviction notices prior to the enforcement action.
A fresh court order, dated October 1, 2025, prohibited the group from reoccupying the private land, prompting authorities to clear the camp on October 2.
Scott Hamilton, a councillor of Jedburgh, stated: “The site is currently being cleared by the council. There are still a few things at play with regard to the situation, but I think this morning has been a good result for the community and for them as well in terms of the outcome.”
The ‘Lost Tribe’ and Their Way of Life
Offeh and Gasho claimed that they were living in the forest to reconnect with nature and reclaim land they believe was stolen from their ancestors.
Offeh explained their lifestyle: “We live a very simple life of returning to innocence. We connect to nature. We connect to the trees around us. We get grounded every morning. We bathe in the springwater. We are living a simple life of relying daily on the creator for food, shelter and clothing. We live in a tent without walls, but we are not afraid of anyone, for we have the protection of the creator, Yahowah. We follow the laws of the creator, everything belongs to the ones who made it. We do not believe that any authority owns the land.”
Taylor, who had been declared missing by her family in Texas, served as a handmaiden to Offeh and Gasho.
She had changed her name to Asnat and insisted she was not missing, although her family had appealed for her return and accused Offeh and Gasho of influencing her online.
The removal of the trio from the forest has drawn attention to their claims and lifestyle.
See more photos below;
