By Sandra Ugwu 

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has revealed that his United States visa has been revoked permanently by the U.S. authorities.

Soyinka made the disclosure on Tuesday during a media parley held at the Freedom Park, Lagos, with the theme “Unending Saga: Idi Amin in Whiteface.”

The literary icon, who read the official letter of revocation from the U.S. Consulate in Lagos, said he received it on Thursday, October 23, 2025. According to him, the decision appeared politically motivated, possibly linked to his past criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The letter, addressed to “Mr. Wole Soyinka,” stated that his non-immigrant B1/B2 visa, issued on April 2, 2024, in Lagos, had been revoked under Department of State Regulations 22 CFR 41.122. It further noted that the document was “no longer valid for application into the United States,” citing the availability of “additional information” after issuance.

Soyinka, however, expressed no resentment over the decision, stressing that he bore no grudge against the American people or government. He reiterated his commitment to freedom of expression and global justice.

“I will continue to welcome any American to my home if they have anything legitimate to do with me,” he said, adding that as a global citizen, he would keep speaking against racism and oppressive policies wherever they occur.

The playwright, who famously tore his U.S. Green Card in 2016 following Trump’s election victory, now resides permanently in Nigeria.