Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has revealed that the United States government has revoked his visa, a move he says came without clear explanation.
Speaking during a press briefing at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery in Lagos, Soyinka disclosed that the US Consulate communicated the decision in a letter dated October 23, 2025, informing him that his nonimmigrant visa had been revoked under US Department of State regulations.
Expressing surprise at the development, the renowned playwright and essayist stressed that he has no criminal record or felony that could justify such action. He, however, speculated that the revocation might be linked to his public act of tearing up his US green card during Donald Trump’s presidency, or his refusal to attend a recent visa re-interview.
According to Soyinka, the letter instructed him to submit his passport for physical cancellation of the visa.
Despite the revocation, Soyinka affirmed his continued willingness to engage with Americans visiting Nigeria, describing the incident as an “unfortunate but clarifying moment.”