Wole Soyinka: US Embassy Clarifies Visa Revocation — Says “Visas Are Privileges, Not Rights”

The United States Embassy in Lagos has responded to widespread reports regarding the alleged revocation of Prof. Wole Soyinka’s U.S. visa, clarifying that entry visas to the United States remain privileges, not rights, and may be withdrawn at any time.

PulseNets learnt that the clarification followed public uproar after the Nobel laureate disclosed that his B1/B2 visa had been cancelled by the Embassy.

According to information obtained by PulseNets from Julia McKay, the Embassy’s , the U.S. government is restricted from discussing the specifics of Soyinka’s case due to confidentiality laws.

“Under U.S. law, visa records are confidential. We cannot discuss the details of an individual visa case,” McKay stated in an email response.

She further emphasised that no individual is automatically entitled to a U.S. visa, regardless of their status or reputation.

“Visas are privileges, not rights. They may be revoked at any time, at the discretion of the U.S. government, whenever circumstances warrant,” she said.

PulseNets reported that Soyinka had publicly revealed the development during a media briefing in Lagos earlier this week.

The 91-year-old literary icon told journalists that he received a letter dated October 23, 2025, from the U.S. Consulate in Lagos, informing him of the visa cancellation.

“I currently have no visa and will not be travelling to the United States until further notice,” he told reporters.

While addressing the media, Soyinka mentioned he could not pinpoint any wrongdoing that might have led to the action. However, he referenced two minor decades-old incidents—one involving airport regulations and another a dispute with police officers.

“Perhaps my greatest ‘crime’ was once carrying undeclared peppers into the U.S.,” he joked, drawing laughter from journalists.

Soyinka, who has been an outspoken critic of former U.S. President Donald Trump, said he would not challenge the Embassy’s decision but admitted the entire situation felt “curious.”

Documents obtained by PulseNets indicate that the Consulate’s letter cited U.S. regulation 22 CFR 41.122, explaining that new information had come to light after the visa was issued, prompting its revocation.

The letter also requested Soyinka to return the visa for physical cancellation, a demand the playwright found amusing.

“I wonder who will volunteer to deliver it on my behalf,” he quipped.

Also Read: “Nigeria should break up if necessary” — Prof Wole Soyinka

The development has since stirred public conversations, particularly amid concerns over the increasingly strict U.S. immigration policies affecting Nigerian travelers.

PulseNets learnt that this episode comes at a time when several Nigerians are lamenting heightened visa scrutiny and rising refusal rates by American consular officials.