Wole Soyinka Reacts After U.S. Visa Revocation
Atume Terfa
Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka disclosed that the United States has revoked his entry visa, effectively barring him from travelling to the country.
The 91-year-old literary icon announced during a press briefing at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos, where he presented a formal notification letter from the U.S. Consulate General.
The letter, dated October 23, 2025, cited that “additional information became available after the visa was issued,” invoking the U.S. Department of State regulation 22 CFR 41.122, which grants the authority to revoke a visa at any time.
“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,” Soyinka said with characteristic calm and irony.
Despite decades of academic, cultural, and literary contributions to American institutions, Soyinka expressed shock at the development. The writer—whose record remains devoid of criminal or immigration violations—admitted he was “searching his conscience” for possible reasons.
“Have I ever misbehaved toward the United States of America? I don’t have any criminal record or even a misdemeanour to qualify for this action,” he remarked.
Soyinka, who once taught at several U.S. universities, hinted that his outspoken criticism of American politics might be the underlying cause. Many recall his 2016 protest—when he tore up his U.S. Green Card following Donald Trump’s election—a move that drew both praise and controversy at the time.
The incident comes against the backdrop of tightening U.S. visa policies for Nigerian travellers. In July 2025, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria reduced non-immigrant visa validity from five years (multiple entry) to three months (single entry), citing procedural changes.
While Soyinka has opted not to pursue another visa, he made his stance clear:“There is nothing I am looking for there. But I will always welcome any American to my home if legitimately invited.”
The news has triggered a wave of reactions. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore described the move as “sad” and reflective of a shrinking tolerance for dissenting voices. Others have questioned whether the action is politically motivated or simply an administrative decision cloaked in bureaucracy.
Diplomatic analysts say the lack of explanation from the U.S. Department of State raises questions about the balance between security discretion and respect for global intellectual figures.
For a man whose influence spans continents—poet, playwright, and fierce defender of human rights—Soyinka’s tone remains unbothered. To him, this is merely another chapter in a long life of principled defiance.
“If you want to see me,” he said once again, smiling, “you know where to find me.”
