The United States has revoked the B1/B2 visa of Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka — a decision he describes as a “witch-hunt” likely tied to his long-standing criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
A B1/B2 visa is a temporary non-immigrant visa granted for business or tourism purposes.
Soyinka revealed the revocation during a news conference themed “Unending Saga: Idi Amin in Whiteface!” held at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos, on Tuesday.
He told reporters that the U.S. Consulate in Lagos offered no explanation for the action, which he discovered through an official letter sent six days earlier from the Non-Immigrant Visa Section.
Part of the letter read:
“This letter serves as official notification by the United States Consulate General in Lagos that the non-immigrant visa listed below has been revoked pursuant to the authority contained in U.S. Department of State regulations… Additional information became available after the visa below was issued.”
The 91-year-old literary icon said he was shocked by the development, insisting he had never violated any law to warrant such a sanction.
“I’m still looking into my past history… I don’t have any criminal record or even a misdemeanour. Have I ever misbehaved toward the United States of America? Have I gone against the law anywhere?” he asked rhetorically.
Despite the disappointment, Soyinka maintained a calm demeanour and stressed that he harboured no resentment toward Americans or their government.
“I will continue to welcome any American to my home if they have anything legitimate to do with me,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to speak out against racism and injustice globally.
Soyinka also revealed that he declined an invitation from the U.S. Consulate for a visa re-interview scheduled for September 11, 2025, describing it as suspicious and poorly timed.
“I thought it was a scam because I had never received such a letter before. When I later confirmed its authenticity, I still refused to go — holding such an interview on September 11, a date of deep, sober reflection in America, was totally inappropriate,” he said.
The playwright likened the U.S. administration behind the decision to a “white Idi Amin,” an apparent reference to Trump.
It will be recalled that Soyinka had, in December 2016, torn his U.S. Green Card in protest after Trump’s electoral victory — fulfilling a promise he made before the polls.
“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.
The Nobel Laureate said the press briefing was to inform those expecting him in the U.S. for engagements not to waste their time, as he could no longer travel there.
