Wole Soyinka: The U.S. government was a witch-hunt
By Valentine Amanze
Nigeria’s global image further nosedived on Tuesday, with the confirmation that the Donald Trump government really revoked the Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka’s U.S. visa.
Soyinka, who would nolonger visit U.S. henceforth, disclosed that the travel documment was permanently revoked by the United States government, recently.
Soyinka, who read aloud the official letter of revocation in Lagos, further revealed that he received the notification on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
Noting that he was taken aback by the decision, Soyinka lamented that he was unaware of any offence that could have led to the cancellation of his visa.
He suggested that the action of the US government was a witch-hunt.
“It is necessary for me to hold this 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,” Soyinka said.
Also read: Why Peter Obi visited Soyinka
According to him, the development was communicated through an official letter, though no specific reason was given for the action.
“I’m still looking into my past history. I don’t have any past criminal record or even a felony or misdemeanour to qualify for the revocation.”
The professor added that he had begun reflecting on whether any of his past actions might have triggered the decision.
“I’ve started looking back—have I ever misbehaved toward the United States of America? Do I have a history? Have I been convicted? Have I gone against the law anywhere?” he asked.
Soyinka, one of Africa’s most respected literary figures, has long maintained a strong relationship with the U.S. academic and literary community, making the revocation a surprise to many observers.
Soyinka is also said to be a strong supporter of the President Bola Tinubu administration in Nigeria.
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