Wole Soyinka: U.S embassy clears air on visa revocation

The United States Embassy in Lagos has addressed reports on the revocation of Prof. Wole Soyinka’s visa, stating that U.S. entry visas are privileges, not rights, and can be revoked at any time.

The clarification comes amid public interest after the Nobel laureate disclosed that his B1/B2 visa had been cancelled by the Embassy.

Through its Public Diplomacy Officer, Julia McKay, the Embassy stated that it could not provide details regarding Soyinka’s case because of privacy regulations.

“Under U.S. law, visa records are generally confidential. We will not discuss the details of this individual visa case,” she stated.

McKay stressed that no individual is entitled to a U.S. visa.

“Visas are a privilege, not a right … visas may be revoked at any time, at the discretion of the U.S. government, whenever circumstances warrant,” she said in the email response.

Soyinka revealed the revocation of his visa during a media briefing in Lagos earlier this week.

The 91-year-old writer told journalists that he received a letter dated October 23, 2025, from the U.S. Consulate in Lagos notifying him of the cancellation.

He also stated that he currently holds no visa and will not be traveling to the United States until further notice.

The iconic playwright said he could not identify any wrongdoing that may have triggered the action but recalled two minor decades-old incidents involving U.S. airport rules and a disagreement with police officers.

He jokingly noted that the only “crime” he could remember was once being fined for carrying undeclared peppers into the U.S.

Soyinka, who has been openly critical of former U.S. President Donald Trump, told journalists that he would not contest the Embassy’s decision but found the situation “curious.”

The Consulate’s letter reportedly referenced U.S. regulations under 22 CFR 41.122, noting that new information had come to light after the visa was issued, leading to its cancellation.

It also requested that Soyinka return the visa for physical cancellation.

The Nobel laureate, however, laughed at the instruction and jokingly asked if anyone would be willing to deliver it on his behalf.

Meanwhile, the development has sparked conversations, especially as the U.S. continues tightening border and immigration controls globally.

This comes at a time when many Nigerians have raised concerns about stricter U.S. travel scrutiny and increased visa refusals.