Nigerian Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka confirmed today that the United States government has revoked his visa.
He disclosed that the U.S. Consulate in Lagos sent him a letter dated October 23, 2025, notifying him that his visa was no longer valid.
The letter cited “newly obtained information” and instructed him to submit his passport for visa cancellation.
Soyinka expressed shock at the decision and insisted he had committed no offense to justify the action. He said, “I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States.”
The literary icon emphasized that the revocation came without any prior warning or official explanation.
Wole Soyinka
He reminded reporters that he voluntarily gave up his U.S. green card in 2016 to protest the election of former President Donald Trump.
However, he noted that this recent development appeared unrelated and likely linked to a new policy shift.
The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has yet to issue an official statement regarding why officials revoked Wole Soyinka’s visa.
Meanwhile, several academics and human rights advocates have criticized the move, describing it as a blow to freedom and cultural diplomacy.
Many believe the decision sends a worrying signal about how global authorities treat dissenting voices and outspoken intellectuals.
On social media, Nigerians expressed mixed reactions. Some accused the U.S. of disrespecting an African icon, while others speculated about possible administrative errors.
“This is deeply disappointing,” one X user wrote. “Soyinka deserves better respect from global institutions.”
As discussions continue, observers say the incident could strain U.S.–Nigeria cultural relations.
The decision to revoke Wole Soyinka’s visa also highlights the growing tension between political power and intellectual independence in today’s global discourse.
