Nobel Laurette, Prof Wole Soyinka on Friday asked neighbouring Republic of Benin to release leader of the Yoruba Nation, Sunday Adeyemo (Sunday Igboho).
Soyinka said the separatist campaigner has not committed any crime in Benin.
He said the only issue is that Igboho is campaigning against Fulani domination of other ethnic groups in Nigeria.
Soyinka who was speaking with journalists in Lagos said he refused to accept that Igboho is a criminal.
“I refuse to believe that Igboho committed any offence except agitating against Fulani tyranny on his people. He peacefully demonstrated his position. I can’t consider that to be decided as a criminal. Agitating for secession is not a criminal act as long as it’s done peacefully. You don’t have to criminalise that,” he said.