Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has revealed that his US visa has been revoked, preventing him from entering the United States. He made the announcement on Tuesday during a press briefing at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery in Freedom Park, Lagos Island.
“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,” Soyinka said.
“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.”
Soyinka explained that he received an official letter from the U.S. Consulate dated October 23, 2025, informing him of the revocation.
The letter stated, “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as official notification by the United States Consulate General in Lagos that the nonimmigrant visa listed below has been revoked pursuant to the authority contained in U.S. Department of State regulations.”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 literary icon expressed confusion over the decision. He emphasized that he had never committed a crime or violated any US laws.
“I’m still looking into my past history… I don’t have any criminal record or even a misdemeanour to qualify for the revocation,” he said.
“I keep asking myself; have I ever misbehaved toward the United States of America? Have I gone against the law anywhere?”
Wole Soyinka did not confirm whether he plans to appeal the decision or apply for a new visa.
