U.S. Government Revokes Wole Soyinka’s Visa Permanently

The United States government has permanently revoked the visa of Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, a move he described as possible retaliation for his criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies.

Soyinka made the revelation during a media parley in Lagos on Tuesday, October 28, stating that he received the official revocation letter on Thursday, October 23.

The letter from the U.S. Consulate in Lagos informed him that his non-immigrant visa (B1/B2) issued on April 2, 2024, had been revoked under Department of State Regulations 22 CFR 41.122, noting that “additional information became available” after issuance.

Soyinka, who read the letter publicly at the event themed “Unending Saga: Idi Amin In Whiteface!”, said he bore no resentment over the development and emphasized that he would continue to welcome Americans to his home in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

He added that, as a global citizen, he remains committed to speaking out against racism and unjust government policies, including those linked to Trump.

It will be recalled that in December 2016, following Trump’s first electoral victory, Soyinka tore his U.S. Green Card in protest against what he described as divisive leadership.