Sheikh Gumi: U.S. Visa Ban On Soyinka Reveals Western Hypocrisy

Soyinka had earlier revealed during a media parley in Lagos on Tuesday that his U.S. visa was revoked, disclosing that he received the notification from the U.S. Consulate on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

At the event themed “Unending Saga: Idi Amin in Whiteface!” held at Freedom Park, Lagos, the renowned playwright read the letter publicly, suggesting that the decision might be connected to his outspoken criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies.

The letter from the U.S. Consulate read in part:

“Dear Mr. Soyinka, this letter serves as official notification that the non-immigrant visa listed below has been revoked pursuant to Department of State Regulations 22 CFR 41.122 and is no longer valid for travel to the United States.”

Reacting on his official Facebook page, Sheikh Gumi drew parallels between Soyinka’s experience and his own, recalling when Saudi Arabia revoked his visa.

According to him, the move was another example of attempts by world powers to suppress dissenting voices.

He wrote:

“It reminds me of when my Saudi visa was revoked for no offence other than exercising freedom of speech.
Poor them. You can’t silence those who don’t depend on you to survive.”