Nobel Laureate and globally celebrated author, Professor Wole Soyinka, has publicly addressed the recent revocation of his U.S. visa and his decision to decline a summons from the U.S. Consulate in Lagos.
Speaking at a press conference held at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, Soyinka revealed that he received formal notification from the U.S. Consulate on October 23, 2025, requesting that he present his passport for the physical cancellation of his non-immigrant visa. The letter, citing U.S. Department of State regulations (22 CFR 41.122), stated that “additional information became available after the visa was issued,” prompting the revocation.
Soyinka, who has long been a vocal advocate for human rights and democratic principles, expressed his dismay at the decision, stating: “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 emphasized that he was unaware of any offense that could have led to the cancellation and described the move as a “witch-hunt.”
When asked why he chose not to honor the consulate’s request for a reinterview, Soyinka explained that he found the process unnecessary and lacking transparency. “I will not be attending any reinterview. I have nothing to clarify,” he said. “This is not how you treat someone who has contributed to global discourse and cultural diplomacy for decades.”
The U.S. government’s action has sparked international attention, with many in the literary and diplomatic communities questioning the rationale behind the visa revocation. Soyinka’s supporters have called for greater accountability and clarity from the U.S. State Department.