US Revokes Wole Soyinka’s Visa Over Alleged Criticism of Trump Administration

Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has revealed that the United States government under President Donald Trump has revoked his American visa, a move he believes is connected to his consistent criticism of the Trump administration.

Speaking during a media parley on Tuesday at Freedom Park, Lagos, themed “Unending Saga: Idi Amin in Whiteface!”, the 91-year-old playwright disclosed that he received an official revocation letter from the US Consulate on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

Reading the letter aloud to the audience, Soyinka said the document cited U.S. Department of State Regulation 22 CFR 41.122, which allows the revocation of non-immigrant visas after new information comes to light.

Part of the letter read:

“Dear Mr Soyinka, this letter serves as official notification of the United States Consulate that the non-immigrant visa listed below has been revoked pursuant to the Department of State Regulations 22 CFR 41.122 and is no longer valid for application into the United States. Additional information became available after the visa below was issued.”

The letter further detailed his personal information and visa type:

“Name of visa holder: SOYINKA, WOLE. Date and place of birth: 13-JUL-1934, NIGERIA. Visa classification (symbol): B1/B2. Date and place of visa issuance: 02-APR-2024, Lagos.”

Reacting to the development, Soyinka maintained that he harbours no ill will toward the U.S. government, stating, “I will continue to welcome any American to my home if they have anything legitimate to do with me.”

He emphasized that his criticism of President Trump and other world leaders stemmed from his duty as a global citizen to speak against racism, injustice, and bad governance.

Soyinka’s strained relationship with the Trump administration dates back to 2016 when he publicly tore his U.S. Green Card in protest of Trump’s election victory — a symbolic act that drew global attention and debate.

The U.S. Consulate in Lagos has not issued an official statement regarding the revocation.