Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has revealed that the United States of America has revoked his visa, a decision he says came without any clear explanation.
Speaking at a media briefing held at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, Soyinka announced the development, stating that he was as surprised as anyone.
“It is necessary for me to hold this conference so that people in the United States who are expecting me for events 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,” he said.
According to Soyinka, the U.S. Consulate in Lagos officially notified him of the revocation through a letter dated October 23, 2025. The letter stated that his B1/B2 non-immigrant visa, which allows temporary travel for business or tourism, had been revoked under U.S. Department of State regulations.
“I’m still looking into my past history… I don’t have any criminal record or even a misdemeanor. Have I ever misbehaved toward the United States? Have I gone against the law anywhere?” Soyinka questioned.
The reason for the revocation remains unknown. In recent months, the U.S. government has reportedly tightened visa regulations as part of broader efforts to control migration.
Soyinka also mentioned that he declined a visa re-interview invitation from the consulate in September, saying he did not understand why it was necessary.
Notably, in 2016, the Nobel laureate made headlines when he vowed to cut up his U.S. green card if Donald Trump won the presidential election a promise he later fulfilled.
For now, Soyinka says he remains grounded in Nigeria, awaiting clarification from U.S. authorities.
