Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has been barred from entering the United States after the government revoked his visa. The celebrated playwright and professor announced the revocation at a media briefing in Lagos, stating that he was unaware of any action that could have prompted the decision.
The US Consulate in Lagos informed Mr. Soyinka of the revocation in a letter dated October 23, citing the authority contained in the U.S. Department of State regulations. The letter served as official notification that his non-immigrant visa had been revoked. Mr. Soyinka holds a B1/B2 visa, which is typically used for temporary business or tourism travel.
Mr. Soyinka expressed surprise at the revocation, noting that he has no criminal record and has long enjoyed cordial relations with US diplomatic officials. He initially dismissed the revocation notice as a potential scam, describing the communication as suspicious. The Nobel laureate had declined a US Consulate request for a visa reassessment, which was scheduled for the following day.
The development comes amid recent changes to US travel policies affecting Nigerians. In July, the US Embassy in Nigeria announced that most non-immigrant visas would become single-entry with a three-month validity, down from five-year, multiple-entry permits. There have also been reports of the embassy quietly revoking visas of Nigerian citizens without detailed explanation, citing only that “new information became available after the visa was issued.”
Mr. Soyinka called the media briefing to inform people in the United States who were expecting him for various events that he would not be able to attend due to the visa revocation. He stated that he is reflecting on his history with the US to understand the decision and hopes that the situation will soon be clarified. The revocation of Mr. Soyinka’s visa has significant implications, particularly in light of the recent tightening of US travel policies affecting Nigerians. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the US government will address the concerns of affected individuals, including prominent figures like Mr. Soyinka.