Wole Soyinka: U.S embassy clears air on visa revocation

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The United States Embassy in Lagos has clarified reports regarding the cancellation of Prof. Wole Soyinka’s visa, emphasizing that U.S. visas are privileges rather than rights and may be withdrawn at any time.

The Embassy’s statement follows public attention after the Nobel laureate revealed that his B1/B2 visa had been revoked.

According to the Public Diplomacy Officer, Julia McKay, the Embassy is unable to disclose specifics about Soyinka’s case due to confidentiality laws.

“Under U.S. law, visa records are generally confidential. We will not discuss the details of this individual visa case,” she stated.

McKay stressed that no individual is entitled to a U.S. visa.

“Visas are a privilege, not a right … visas may be revoked at any time, at the discretion of the U.S. government, whenever circumstances warrant,” she said in the email response.

Soyinka had announced the visa revocation during a press briefing in Lagos earlier in the week.

The 91-year-old author told reporters that he received a letter dated October 23, 2025, from the U.S. Consulate in Lagos notifying him that his visa had been cancelled.

He also explained that he currently holds no valid visa and has no plans to travel to the United States until further notice.

The renowned playwright mentioned that he could not identify any wrongdoing that might have led to the decision but recalled two minor incidents from decades ago involving U.S. airport policies and an encounter with police officers.

He humorously remarked that the only “crime” he could recall was being fined once for bringing undeclared peppers into the United States.

Soyinka, known for his vocal criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump, told journalists that he would not challenge the Consulate’s decision but found the situation “curious.”

The Consulate’s letter reportedly cited U.S. regulations under 22 CFR 41.122, indicating that new information had surfaced after the visa was issued, which prompted its cancellation.

The correspondence also instructed him to return the visa for physical invalidation.

The Nobel laureate, however, laughed at the request and jokingly asked if anyone would volunteer to deliver it for him.

The development has since drawn significant public discussion, particularly as the United States continues to tighten its global border and immigration controls.

This occurs amid growing concerns among Nigerians about heightened U.S. travel scrutiny and rising visa denials.

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