US Embassy Revokes Nobel Laureate Soyinka's Visa Citing Privilege Policy

The United States Embassy in Lagos has clarified that U.S. entry visas are privileges, not rights, and can be revoked at any time at the discretion of the U.S. government, following the revocation of Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka's B1/B2 visa. The Embassy, represented by Public Diplomacy Officer Julia McKay, emphasized confidentiality laws prevent them from discussing individual visa cases but confirmed that visas may be withdrawn whenever circumstances warrant. Soyinka, who disclosed the cancellation during a media briefing, expressed surprise at the decision and noted he was unaware of any wrongdoing, recalling only minor past incidents that he doubted were the cause. The revocation letter cited "additional information becoming available after issuance" as the reason, and Soyinka would need to reapply if he wishes to visit the U.S. again. The incident has sparked public interest and discussion about visa privileges and the U.S. government's authority over entry permissions.