United States government has permanently revoked the non-immigrant visa of Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, citing regulatory provisions and undisclosed new information.
Soyinka disclosed this development at a media parley held on Tuesday at Freedom Park, Lagos, themed “Unending Saga: Idi Amin In Whiteface!”.
He said the revocation letter, dated Oct. 23, was issued by the US Consulate in Lagos.
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“This letter serves as official notification that the non-immigrant visa listed below has been revoked pursuant to the Department of State Regulations 22 CFR 41.122 and is no longer valid for application into the United States,” the letter read in part.
The revoked visa, classified B1/B2, was issued to Soyinka on April 2, 2024, in Lagos.
Soyinka, who now resides in Nigeria, said the action appeared to be a form of witch-hunt linked to his criticism of US President Donald Trump’s policies.
He recalled his symbolic act in December 2016, when he tore his US Green Card following Trump’s electoral victory.
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Despite the revocation, Soyinka expressed no animosity toward the American people, stating that he would continue to welcome Americans to his home in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
“As a global citizen, I will continue to speak against racism and policies I find objectionable, regardless of the government involved,” he said.
The renowned playwright and activist reaffirmed his commitment to freedom of expression and advocacy for human rights.
