Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has revealed that the United States of America has revoked his visa, preventing his entry into the country for the time being.
Speaking at a media briefing held at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, on Tuesday, Soyinka said he was stunned by the development, as he was not aware of any action that could have prompted such a decision.
“It is necessary for me to hold this conference so that people in the United States who are expecting me for this event or that event do not waste their time. I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States. And if you want to see me, you know where to find me,” said Soyinka.
The Nobel Laureate explained that the U.S. Consulate in Lagos had officially informed him of the revocation through a letter dated October 23, 2025.
“This letter serves as official notification by the United States Consulate General in Lagos that the nonimmigrant visa listed below has been revoked pursuant to the authority contained in U.S. Department of State regulations,” the letter stated.
According to Soyinka, the notice was issued by the Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Section of the Consulate.
He expressed bewilderment over the reason for the action, insisting he had never committed any offence or misconduct that could justify such a decision.
“I’m still looking into my past history. I don’t have any past criminal record or even a felony or misdemeanour to qualify for the revocation. I’ve started looking back have I ever misbehaved toward the United States of America? Do I have a history? Have I been convicted? Have I gone against the law anywhere?” he wondered.