Tension As U.S. Defends Decision On Wole Soyinka’s Visa — ‘Even Nobel Laureates Aren’t Exempt

The United States Embassy in Lagos has addressed the recent revocation of the visa belonging to Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.

The celebrated writer had revealed during a media briefing on Tuesday at Kongi’s Harvest, Freedom Park, Lagos, that his B1/B2 visa had been withdrawn by the U.S. authorities.

The 91-year-old literary icon told journalists that no one should expect him in the United States anytime soon, as he currently holds no valid visa.

Responding to inquiries about the development, the U.S. Consulate clarified that the issuance of visas to foreign nationals is a privilege, not a right.

In an email statement to The Punch on Thursday, Julia McKay, Public Diplomacy Officer at the U.S. Department of State, Consulate General, Lagos, said the embassy could not comment on Soyinka’s specific case due to confidentiality laws.

“Under U.S. law, visa records are generally confidential. We cannot discuss the details of any individual visa case,” McKay stated.

She further emphasized that visas could be revoked at any time at the discretion of the U.S. government.

“Visas are a privilege, not a right. Every country, including the United States, reserves the authority to determine who enters its borders. Visas may be revoked at any time whenever circumstances warrant,” she added.