The Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Gani Adams, has said Sunday Igboho, an agitator for a Yoruba nation, is using wrong methods to demand self-determination.
Mr Adams said rather than engage traditional rulers peacefully and get their support, he focused on propaganda.
He made his position known in a video that went viral on social media on Wednesday.
His spokesperson, Kehinde Aderemi, did not respond to calls and text messages seeking clarification on the place and time the video was made.
Mr Adams said Mr Igboho’s threat to forcefully reopen the borders and claims that 1,000 policemen would not return if they invaded his house were reckless.
“Most of Sunday Igboho’s methods are wrong. I told him that his methods are wrong. But God has used him in the agitation for Yoruba Nation. He has played his own role and he will still play more roles. We should not let him be killed or persecuted.
“He should caution his talkative followers so that they won’t put him into trouble. I told him some time ago that those people surrounding him are agents of a politician in Lagos. I told him it is better to train your trusted soldiers than to hire mercenaries who will later go for the highest bidder.
“Don’t cause more damage to this freedom fight. Let the elders wade in. Even if any Oba or leader talks against you, don’t abuse them. Let’s begin to preach our gospel to win more souls. You said you wanted to go and open the borders. That will be the beginning of war. You don’t need to say that. It will be counterproductive.