Why my Visa was permanently revoked – Wole Soyinka

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has revealed that his United States visa has been permanently revoked by the American authorities.

Speaking at a media parley held at Freedom Park, Lagos, on Tuesday, with the theme “Unending Saga: Idi Amin In Whiteface!”, Soyinka read out the official letter of revocation, which he said he received on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

According to him, the letter from the US Consulate in Lagos stated that the non-immigrant visa issued to him on April 2, 2024, had been withdrawn under Department of State Regulations 22 CFR 41.122, due to “additional information” that became available after its issuance.

The letter read in part:

“Dear Mr. Soyinka, this letter serves as official notification of the United States Consulate that the non-immigrant visa listed below has been revoked… and is no longer valid for application into the United States.”

Prof. Soyinka, who suggested that the decision may be linked to his long-standing criticism of former US President Donald Trump’s policies, described the situation as a possible act of “witch-hunting.”

He recalled that in December 2016, he had torn his US Green Card following Trump’s electoral victory, in protest against what he described as divisive leadership.

Despite the revocation, the renowned playwright and human rights advocate maintained that he harbours no ill feelings toward the United States or its citizens.

“I will continue to welcome any American to my home if they have anything legitimate to do with me,” Soyinka affirmed, adding that he remains committed to speaking out against racism and bad governance anywhere in the world.

Soyinka, who now resides in Nigeria, emphasized his resolve to continue using his voice and platform to challenge injustice globally.