LunagisthubUS Visa Revocation: Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka Speaks Out
Renowned Nigerian writer and Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has been permanently banned from entering the United States after his visa was revoked. Soyinka revealed this during a press conference, expressing his confusion and disappointment over the decision.
The US Consulate General in Lagos informed Soyinka of the revocation via a letter dated October 23, 2025, citing U.S. Department of State regulations. However, the letter did not specify the reasons for the revocation. Soyinka stated that he had no prior notice or indication of any wrongdoing that could have led to this decision .
Soyinka emphasized that he has no past criminal record or any history of misconduct that would justify the revocation. “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 said, adding that he would continue to seek clarity on the matter .
This development comes amid tighter US visa policies for Nigerian nationals. In July 2025, the US Embassy in Nigeria announced that most Nigerian non-immigrant visas would be scaled back from up to five-year multiple-entry permits to single-entry three-month validity. Soyinka’s ban may be linked to these policy changes, but the exact reason remains unclear .
As a prominent literary figure and advocate for democracy and human rights, Soyinka’s ban has sparked debate among intellectuals and Nigerians worldwide. His contributions to literature and his commitment to social justice have earned him international recognition, making this decision all the more surprising .
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