91-Year-Old Wole Soyinka Speaks Out After US Visa Revoked As Embassy Cites Law on Privilege -

The United States Embassy in Lagos has stated that visas granted by the country to foreign nationals are based on privilege, not a right.

The US Consulate in Lagos made this clarification in response to an inquiry from The PUNCH regarding the revocation of the visa of Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.

In an email response on Thursday, the Consulate noted that it could not discuss the details of the particular visa for confidentiality reasons.

“Under U.S. law, visa records are generally confidential. We will not discuss the details of this individual visa case,” the US Nigeria Mission spokesperson said.

The 91-year-old world-acclaimed writer told journalists at Kongi’s Harvest, Freedom Park, that he should not be expected in the US by anyone, as he currently has no visa.

Soyinka Addresses The Media

Addressing the media at the parley titled “Unending Saga: Idi Amin in Whiteface,” Soyinka said the notice of revocation was communicated to him by the US Consulate General in Lagos, in a letter dated October 23, 2025.

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“It is necessary for me to hold this press conference so that people in the United States who are expecting me for this event or that event do not waste their time.

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,” the author, playwright, and poet told journalists at the upper chamber of the art gallery.

Soyinka, who is a staunch critic of US President Donald Trump, stressed that he did not know the basis for the revocation of his visa.

While pondering over the revocation of his visa, the renowned writer said he could not recall any offence by committed by him that could have warranted the decision to revoke his visa.

“I’ve started looking back—have I ever misbehaved towards the United States of America? Do I have a history? Have I been convicted? Have I gone against the law anywhere?” he wondered.

He, however, said he recalled two minor incidents that happened years ago, wondering if they were connected to the present action.

Soyinka said, “And I remembered finally, two instances, which I want to make public now in case it is brought up later on.

“I remember pleading guilty at the airport one day. I was landing in Chicago. It was my first major production in the United States. We were in rehearsals at the time. And the night before, I had to dash to London and then return for rehearsals.

“I had gone to an Indian restaurant in London, and as usual, when I go to cold wintry countries, I always carry peppers with me. At that restaurant, when I was leaving, I put a few green chilies in my pockets just to keep me going when I got back to Chicago. I forgot to declare those chilies.

“So, I’m warning you now that you may learn that I was convicted for carrying some small chilies. At the airport, they wanted to charge me to court, but they said I could plead guilty and pay a fine.

” I think I remember paying about $25 or so. So, that’s one possible crime that could have been dug up. I had forgotten all about it, quite frankly, that’s my fault. That’s one.”

He added, “Two, the American Society of African Culture had an international conference some years ago, just in the early 70s, I’m not good with dates. It took place in the American Hotel, Atlanta.

“And, I had a confrontation with the police (over) some racist conduct by the receptionist, which led to the police being called. And this policeman came and was trying to throw his weight around. So, I could be convicted, if you like, for, shall we say, disobeying orders from law officers of the US. This was at least 30 years ago.”

“So, ladies and gentlemen, these are the only two crimes I can consider myself guilty of in all the decades I’ve been going to the United States.”