LAGOS, Nigeria —
Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has revealed that the United
States government revoked his visa, a move he believes is connected to his
long-standing criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday at Kongi’s
Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, Soyinka said he was informed
of the revocation in a letter from the U.S. Consulate dated October
23, 2025.
“It is necessary for me to hold this conference so
that people in the United States who are expecting me for this event or that
event do not waste their time. 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,” he told
journalists.
The literary icon expressed shock and confusion
over the decision, noting that he was unaware of any action that could have
prompted such a measure.
“I am as puzzled as anyone. I have done nothing to
deserve this, except perhaps speak my mind — as I always have,” he said.
Soyinka linked the move to his outspoken stance on
global politics, particularly his criticism of Trump’s leadership and
immigration policies.
The 89-year-old playwright and activist famously tore
up his U.S. green card in 2016 following Trump’s election victory,
describing the gesture as a protest against what he called “the triumph of
ignorance and bigotry.”
In September 2025, Soyinka also declined an
invitation from the U.S. Consulate to appear for a visa re-interview,
saying the proposed date coincided with the anniversary of the September 11,
2001 attacks, a day he preferred to spend in reflection.
As of press time, the U.S. Consulate had not
issued an official statement regarding the reported visa revocation.
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