Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has faulted the United States government over the revocation of Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka’s visa, describing the development as “sad” and disappointing.
In a post on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, Sowore expressed shock at the decision, linking it to what he described as a troubling shift in US values.
He wrote, “Donald Trump reportedly revokes U.S. visa of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka! Sad! What the U.S. has become!”
Sowore’s reaction followed Soyinka’s revelation during a media parley held at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island on Tuesday, that his US visa had been revoked permanently.
According to the Nobel Laureate, the United States Consulate informed him of the decision in a letter dated October 23, 2025, effectively barring him from entering the country.
“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,” Soyinka said.
“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 added.
Soyinka said he was unaware of any wrongdoing that might have triggered the action, describing it as both “puzzling” and “unjust.”
Prof. Soyinka, who has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the US, noted that while there had been moments of tension in the past, particularly during the first administration of President Donald Trump, he had always maintained cordial ties with the country.
He urged the public to continue standing against discrimination and injustice everywhere, stressing that freedom and human dignity must remain non-negotiable values.
