Wole Soyinka Declines U.S. Consulate’s Invitation Amid Controversy
Renowned Nigerian playwright, poet, and Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has recently made headlines by refusing an invitation from the U.S. Consulate in Nigeria for a visa re-interview scheduled for Thursday, September 11, 2025. The invitation, part of routine visa procedures, was met with surprise and strong objections from Soyinka, who described the request as “strange and bizarre.”
Wole Soyinka Initially Suspected a Scam
In an exclusive interview with TheNEWS online, Prof. Wole Soyinka recounted his initial reaction upon receiving the unexpected letter from the U.S. Consulate. The letter, which invited him for a visa re-interview, struck him as both puzzling and suspicious, something he had never encountered in his decades of international travel.
“At first, I thought it was fake one of those advance-fee scams preying on desperate visa seekers,” Soyinka remarked candidly. “I had never received such a letter from any embassy, so I found it very unusual.”
Even After Verification, Refusal Remained Firm
Even after confirming the letter’s authenticity, Soyinka said he would not comply, insisting he has no interest in “chasing visas for places I do not wish to visit and where I am clearly not wanted.”
“I have no interest in chasing visas for places I do not wish to visit,” he stated firmly, “and where I am clearly not wanted.”
The acclaimed writer, who has traveled extensively and has been warmly received by nations around the world, made it clear that he refuses to subject himself to any process that feels demeaning or performative. To Soyinka, the very idea of a re-interview especially without any prior issue with his existing visa was unnecessary and disrespectful.
Wole Soyinka Condemnation of the 9/11 Interview Date
The celebrated writer and social critic also condemned the Consulate’s choice of date September 11 saying it reflects poor judgment on a day he believes should be reserved for mourning and reflection.
“To me, 9/11 should be a day of national atonement for the United States a day for deep, sober reflection. Offices should be shut down, not inviting people for interviews to have their visas taken away. If they won’t shut down, I will shut down my relationship with them at least for that day,” Soyinka declared.
A Deeper Critique of U.S. Political Leadership
Beyond the date, Soyinka pointed to deeper concerns about the state of governance in the U.S., describing the country’s current leadership as having “a white Idi Amin at the helm of affairs.” He said this makes him wary of interacting with the U.S. government under such circumstances.
Not Just Personal A Matter of Principle
“This is no longer about me personally. When invitations from governments become questionable, it is time to exercise caution for one’s dignity and one’s safety,” Soyinka added.
What Do You Think?
Should a country’s political climate influence whether respected figures like Wole Soyinka engage with its institutions or should diplomacy rise above politics?
Join the conversation in the comments.
Do you stand with Soyinka’s decision, or do you believe such actions risk complicating international relations?
