Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, a towering figure in literature and human rights activism, has sensationally revealed that the United States has revoked his non-immigrant visa. This action, which he attributes to his outspoken criticism of former US President Donald Trump, bars him from entering the country and adds a significant chapter to his history of political defiance and engagement.
In a significant development that has drawn global attention, Professor Wole Soyinka, the distinguished Nobel laureate in Literature, announced on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, that the United States of America had revoked his non-immigrant visa. This immediate ban prevents his entry into the country, marking a notable turn in the relationship between the acclaimed writer and US authorities.
Soyinka made the disclosure during a media parley held at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, themed ‘Unending Saga: Idi Amin in Whiteface!’, a direct reference to his long-standing opposition to the policies of former US President Donald Trump. He stated unequivocally to journalists, “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.”
The Details of the Revocation: An Unexplained ‘Additional Information’
The official notification of the revocation came in a letter dated October 23, 2025, which Soyinka received the previous Thursday. Issued by the Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) section of the US Consulate General in Lagos, the letter served as official notification that his B1/B2 visa, a temporary visa for business or tourism, had been revoked. The critical phrase in the letter read: “additional information became available after the visa below was issued,” as reported by Reuters.
The revoked visa details were listed as:
- Name of visa holder: Soyinka, Wole
- Date and place of birth: 13-Jul-1934, Nigeria
- Visa classification (symbol): B1/B2
- Date and place of visa issuance: 02-Apr-2024, Lagos
Soyinka, at 91 years old, expressed profound confusion over the reason for the revocation. He categorically denied any wrongdoing, stressing, “I’m still looking into my past history… I don’t have any past criminal record or even a felony or misdemeanor to qualify for the revocation.” He questioned aloud, “Have I ever misbehaved toward the United States of America? Do I have a history? Have I been convicted? Have I gone against the law anywhere?” as detailed by Global Times.
A History of Dissent: Soyinka’s Stance on Donald Trump
While the official reason for the visa revocation remains vague, Professor Soyinka firmly believes the action is linked to his vocal criticism of former US President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies. He has consistently opposed Trump, famously referring to him as “Idi Amin in whiteface.”
This is not the first time Soyinka has taken a public stand against Trump. In December 2016, following Trump’s electoral triumph for his first term in office, the acclaimed playwright fulfilled a pledge by tearing up his US green card, renouncing his American residency in protest. This act underscored his unwavering commitment to speaking against policies he deemed wrong, globally.
Despite the visa revocation, Soyinka maintained that he harbored no hard feelings towards the American people or the nation. He affirmed, “I will continue to welcome any American to my home if they have anything legitimate to do with me,” emphasizing his role as a global citizen who will continue to speak against racism and unjust policies.
The Preceding Invitation: A September Rejection
The permanent revocation of his visa follows an earlier, equally notable incident on September 10, 2025. Professor Soyinka had publicly refused to honor an invitation from the US consulate in Nigeria for a visa re-interview, which was scheduled for Thursday, September 11, 2025.
Initially, Soyinka had dismissed the invitation as a potential scam. He recounted, “I thought it came from scammers who prey on those eager to get visas elsewhere, promising to deliver them for a certain amount…” He added, “I had never received that kind of letter from that or any other embassy. I even thought that maybe AI had been generating generic letters. It was very strange.”
Upon realizing the letter was genuine, he maintained that he had more important engagements than to pursue visas for places he had no desire to visit. He particularly expressed disapproval of the consulate choosing September 11 for the proposed interview, a day he considers sacred for the United States, reserved for national mourning and sober reflection, not for “the perpetuation of ignoble motives.” This stance further highlighted his principled opposition to perceived governmental overreach or insensitive actions, a consistent theme in his public life.
Broader Implications and a Call for Context
The revocation of Wole Soyinka’s visa raises pertinent questions about freedom of expression, the treatment of global intellectuals, and the discretionary power of immigration authorities. While the US Consulate cited “additional information,” the lack of specificity fuels speculation, especially given Soyinka’s prominent political views.
This event also occurs in a broader context of shifting US visa policies for Nigerians. The US Embassy in Nigeria had previously indicated in July 2025 that Nigerians seeking non-immigrant visas would receive single-entry three-month permits, a change from the prior up to five-year, multiple-entry visas. Although not explicitly linked to Soyinka’s personal case, it highlights a period of tighter scrutiny on Nigerian travelers.
For the many in the United States who were expecting Professor Soyinka for various events, his media parley served as a necessary heads-up, ensuring they “not waste their time.” His defiance in the face of this ban reinforces his legacy as an unyielding voice against perceived injustice, regardless of national borders.
