Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate and globally respected writer, Professor Wole Soyinka, has expressed deep concern and disbelief after the United States government revoked his visa — a move he says came without warning or clear .
Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday at Freedom Park, Lagos, the 91-year-old literary giant revealed that his B1/B2 visa, issued in April 2024, was suddenly cancelled through a letter from the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, dated October 23 2025.
According to Soyinka, the letter vaguely stated that “additional information became available after the visa was issued,” without elaborating on what that information might be.
“I was shocked when I got the notice,” he said. “At first, I thought it was a scam. I have no criminal record, no misdemeanour, and have never had any trouble with U.S. authorities. So, I am still searching through my past to see what I did wrong.”
A National Icon in Disbelief
For decades, Soyinka has been a global voice for freedom, democracy, and justice, often travelling the world for lectures and literary engagements. His unexpected visa revocation, therefore, raises questions about diplomatic transparency and the treatment of African intellectuals on the global stage.
Still, Soyinka made it clear that he harbours no animosity toward the U.S., saying he would “continue to welcome any American with legitimate business” at his residence.
Wider Implications
The decision comes amid a broader tightening of U.S. visa policies for Nigerians, after the U.S. Embassy recently reduced visa validity periods for many categories from multi-entry to single-entry permits.
Analysts believe Soyinka’s case may reignite conversations around fairness, respect, and international dignity, especially for African scholars who have contributed significantly to global culture.
✍️ Fusion Chronicles Nigeria Commentary:
For a man whose pen fought tyranny, exposed injustice, and inspired generations, this development feels both symbolic and unsettling. Whether bureaucratic or politically influenced, the revocation of Wole Soyinka’s visa is not just a personal inconvenience — it’s a reflection of how even the most respected African voices can find themselves entangled in opaque global systems.
As Soyinka put it simply:
“I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States. If you want to see me, you know where to find me.”
📍 Fusion Chronicles Nigeria — Your trusted voice for truth, culture, and national conversation.
