Renowned Nigerian author and Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka has publicly alleged that the United States has revoked his non-immigrant visa, casting a shadow over his longstanding ties with American academia and culture. According to sources close to the matter, the 91-year-old literary icon displayed a formal letter from the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos on October 28, 2025, detailing the cancellation and directing him to surrender his passport. This development raises questions about U.S. visa policies toward prominent international figures amid tightened immigration scrutiny.
 |
| Wole Soyinka says US revokes his visa |
Dated October 23, the consulate's correspondence cited "additional information" emerging after the visa's issuance last year as the basis for revocation. Sources indicate the document mandates Soyinka to appear in person for the physical annulment of his visa stamp, effectively barring entry until a new application is processed and approved. While specifics on the "additional information" remain undisclosed, this action disrupts Soyinka's routine engagements in the U.S., where he has been a frequent visitor for lectures and collaborations.
In a bold address to reporters, Soyinka quipped, "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." His words, laced with characteristic wit, allude to potential U.S. invitations he must now decline. Reports suggest this stems from ongoing U.S. policy shifts, including a July directive limiting Nigerian non-immigrant visas to single-entry, three-month durations—down from multi-year options—aimed at enhancing security vetting.
Soyinka, Africa's first Nobel laureate in Literature (1986), has been a fixture at Ivy League institutions since the mid-1990s, enriching American scholarship with his plays, poetry, and activism. His relationship with the U.S. has not been without friction; in 2016, he dramatically tore up his green card in protest against Donald Trump's election, renouncing permanent residency. This latest episode echoes those tensions, prompting speculation on whether political views or administrative reviews played a role.
U.S. officials have yet to comment on Soyinka's specific case, but the embassy's broader policy adjustments signal a rigorous approach to visa renewals for Nigerians. Human rights advocates and literary circles worldwide are monitoring closely, viewing this as a potential chill on cross-cultural exchanges. As Soyinka contemplates reapplication, the incident highlights the delicate balance between security imperatives and fostering international dialogue.
These revelations are based on verified statements from involved parties and official correspondence, emphasizing the evolving landscape of U.S. immigration protocols. For updates on visa policies and Soyinka's next moves, consult diplomatic advisories and literary news outlets.
(2,148 characters)
0 Comments