Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka Has Been Permanently Banned From Entering The US

Wole Soyinka Confirms US Visa Revocation: A Nobel Laureate Barred from Entry

On October 28, 2025, Nigerian Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka publicly announced that the United States had revoked his visa, effectively banning him from entering the country.

The revelation came during a press briefing held at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, where Soyinka addressed the media with a tone of bewilderment and candor. He stated that the decision was communicated to him via an official letter from the US Consulate dated October 23, 2025, though no specific reason was provided for the revocation.

Soyinka, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986 and has long been a towering figure in global intellectual and literary circles, expressed concern over the lack of clarity surrounding the ban. He emphasized that the announcement was necessary to inform his American colleagues and audiences who might be expecting him at upcoming events. “I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States. And if you want to see me, you know where to find me,” he remarked during the briefing.

The development has sparked speculation about the underlying motives. Soyinka himself hinted that his outspoken criticism of US President Donald Trump, who is currently serving his second term, might have played a role. He recalled that he had previously destroyed his US green card in protest following Trump’s first election in 2016.

More recently, Soyinka made headlines for comparing Trump to former Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, a comment that may have struck a political nerve.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Soyinka appeared composed and even somewhat defiant. He told reporters, “I want to assure the consulate... that I'm very content with the revocation of my visa.” This statement suggests a philosophical acceptance of the decision, even as it raises questions about freedom of expression and the treatment of dissenting voices by democratic governments.

The US Consulate’s letter cited regulatory authority but did not elaborate on the specific grounds for the visa revocation. This lack of transparency has fueled public discourse, with many Nigerians and international observers expressing concern over what they perceive as a politically motivated action against a globally respected intellectual.

Soyinka’s ban from the US marks a significant moment in the intersection of literature, politics, and international diplomacy. It underscores the potential consequences of vocal criticism in an increasingly polarized global landscape and raises broader questions about the limits of free speech, especially when directed at powerful political figures.

As reactions continue to pour in, the world watches to see whether further clarification or diplomatic engagement will follow. For now, Soyinka remains grounded in Nigeria, his voice undeterred, and his legacy as a fearless critic of power reaffirmed.