91-Year-Old Wole Soyinka “Banned” from U.S. After Visa Revocation

Nigerian Nobel laureate and renowned playwright Professor Wole Soyinka has revealed that his United States visa has been revoked by the U.S. government.

Soyinka disclosed the development during a press briefing in Lagos on October 28, stating that he received an official letter from the U.S. Consulate in Lagos dated October 23, 2025. The letter reportedly explained that “additional information became available after the visa was issued” and instructed him to return his passport for cancellation.

“I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States,” Soyinka said, expressing surprise over the decision. “I have no idea what could have caused the revocation,” he added.

The move comes amid stricter U.S. visa policies targeting Nigerian applicants. Earlier this year, the U.S. government reduced several categories of non-immigrant visas for Nigerians from a five-year multiple entry to a single entry valid for only three months.

At 91 years old, Soyinka has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with American academic and cultural institutions, having lectured at several U.S. universities throughout his illustrious career.