Nobel laureate and playwright, Professor Wole Soyinka, has disclosed that the United States government has permanently revoked his B1/B2 visa.
Soyinka made the revelation on Tuesday during a media parley at Freedom Park, Lagos, explaining that he received an official letter from the U.S. Consulate dated October 23, 2025, notifying him of the withdrawal under U.S. Department of State regulations.
According to the letter, the decision was based on “additional information” that emerged after the visa was issued. The 89-year-old writer, however, said he was unaware of any wrongdoing that could have prompted such action.
“I am still reviewing my past history. I have no criminal record, felony, or misdemeanour that would justify this revocation,” he said, adding that he initially dismissed the letter as a scam until verifying its authenticity.
Soyinka suggested that the revocation might be linked to his outspoken criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. He recalled that in 2016, he tore his American Green Card in protest against what he described as the divisive and racist politics of the Trump era.
He also noted that the Consulate had previously invited him for a visa revalidation interview, which he ignored, believing it unnecessary a decision he believes may have contributed to the revocation.
Despite the development, Soyinka said he holds no resentment toward the U.S. government. “I will continue to welcome any American to my home if they have anything legitimate to do with me,” he stated.
Reflecting on his past encounters with U.S. authorities, Soyinka mentioned minor incidents including a fine for carrying chilli peppers into the country and a misunderstanding at Chicago Airport in the 1970s which he said were too trivial to justify any criminal classification.
He emphasized that the visa withdrawal would not deter him from speaking against injustice. “Silence in the face of prejudice is as dangerous as the act itself,” Soyinka concluded.
