Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has turned down an invitation from the United States Consulate in Nigeria to attend a visa reinterview, scheduled for Thursday, September 11. Soyinka cited principled opposition to the administration of President Donald Trump, whom he likened to former Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, describing the comparison as reflective of what he sees as the president’s mentality and conduct.
He initially suspected the reinterview invitation might be a scam, as he had never received such a request before, but later confirmed its authenticity. Soyinka criticized the timing of the appointment, pointing out that September 11 is a solemn day of mourning for Americans and should not be used for bureaucratic exercises.
The playwright emphasized that he has no interest in pursuing travel to countries where he does not feel welcome and has more pressing commitments than seeking visas. He insisted that his decision was grounded in principle rather than personal grievance, stating he would rather forgo the reinterview than engage with a government he distrusts. Soyinka remarked, “Are we looking in the case of the United States, at the white Idi Amin, for instance? If you look very closely at the conduct, the behaviour, the mentality of the present incumbent president, you find out there are Idi Amins of different colours.”
This expanded version maintains the context, his reasoning, and the moral stance behind his decision, making it suitable for a full news report.
