Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has revealed that the United States government has revoked his non-immigrant visa, effectively barring him from entering the country.
Speaking during a media briefing titled “Unending Saga: Idi Amin in Whiteface!” at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, Soyinka described the move as a possible witch-hunt linked to his long-standing criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies.
The renowned writer and playwright confirmed that his B1/B2 visa — a temporary visa for business and tourism — had been officially cancelled.
“I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States. And if you want to see me, you know where to find me,” he told reporters.
Details of the Revocation
Soyinka read aloud from the official letter of notification, which he said he received on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Issued by the Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, the letter was dated the same day.
Part of the document, which was shared with journalists, stated:
“This letter serves as official notification by the United States Consulate General in Lagos that the nonimmigrant visa listed below has been revoked pursuant to the authority contained in U.S. Department of State regulations… Additional information became available after the below visa was issued.”
The document listed the following visa details:
Name: SOYINKA, WOLE
Date and Place of Birth: 13-JUL-1934, NIGERIA
Visa Type: B1/B2
Date and Place of Issuance: 02-APR-2024, Lagos
Soyinka Reacts with Confusion and Calm
Expressing surprise at the development, Soyinka said he could not identify any wrongdoing that might have led to the visa withdrawal.
“I’m still looking into my past history… I don’t have any criminal record or even a misdemeanour that could justify this. Have I ever misbehaved toward the United States? Been convicted? Broken any law anywhere?” he asked rhetorically.
He emphasized that he bore no grudge against the American people and remained open to continued personal and professional relationships with them.
“I will continue to welcome any American to my home if they have legitimate business with me,” he added.
Soyinka reaffirmed his commitment to speaking out against racism and policies he considers unjust — including those associated with Donald Trump — declaring himself a “global citizen.”
He explained that the press conference was necessary to inform those in the U.S. who had invited him to events not to expect his attendance.
Background: Refusal to Attend Visa Re-Interview
The visa cancellation follows an earlier incident on September 10, 2025, when Professor Soyinka declined an invitation from the U.S. Consulate in Lagos to attend a visa re-interview scheduled for the next day, September 11.
The invitation was part of a broader request by the Consulate to several Nigerian holders of B1/B2 visas to appear for additional interviews.
At the time, Soyinka initially dismissed the letter as a possible scam.
“At first, I thought it was from scammers who exploit people seeking visas. I had never received such a letter from any embassy. It even crossed my mind that maybe AI was generating random letters. It was quite strange,” he explained.
When he later confirmed the authenticity of the invitation, he maintained that he had no interest in attending.
“The question of going to such an interview is totally out of consideration,” he said, criticizing the choice of September 11 — a date he argued should be reserved in the U.S. for solemn remembrance, not for “ignoble bureaucratic exercises.”
Soyinka also expressed distrust toward what he described as a U.S. administration led by a “white Idi Amin” — a thinly veiled reference to President Trump.
It will be recalled that in December 2016, following Trump’s first election victory, Soyinka publicly destroyed his U.S. Green Card, fulfilling a vow he had made to do so if Trump became president.
