Shockwaves Hit Literary World: US Revokes Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka's Visa
Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has announced that the U.S. government has permanently revoked his B1/B2 visa, effective from a letter dated October 23, 2025. Speaking at a Lagos media parley, the 91-year-old playwright denied any wrongdoing, linking the decision to his past criticisms of former President Donald Trump and his refusal to attend a visa revalidation interview. Despite the ban, Soyinka stated he harbors no ill will and will continue to advocate against injustice.
Nobel laureate and acclaimed playwright, Professor Wole Soyinka, has announced the permanent revocation of his B1/B2 non-immigrant visa by the United States government. He made this disclosure on a Tuesday during a media parley held at Freedom Park in Lagos, specifically at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery on Lagos Island, to inform those expecting him in the U.S. not to waste their time.
Soyinka revealed he received an official letter from the U.S. Consulate in Lagos, dated October 23, 2025, which served as notification that his visa was no longer valid for entry into the United States. The letter, he explained, cited U.S. Department of State regulations (22 CFR 41.122) and stated that the revocation occurred because “additional information became available” after the visa was initially issued. He also recounted that he initially dismissed the letter as a potential scam, believing it could be a form of