Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has revealed that his visa to the United States has been revoked, effectively barring him from entering the country.
The literary icon made the disclosure on Tuesday while speaking with journalists at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park in Lagos. Soyinka explained that he decided to make the announcement publicly to avoid confusion among those in the U.S. expecting his attendance at upcoming engagements.
“It’s important to make this clear so that people in the United States who are waiting for me at certain events don’t waste their time,” he said. “I currently have no visa. I’ve been banned, apparently, from entering the United States. So if anyone wants to see me, they’ll have to come here.”
According to him, the information was formally communicated through a letter from the U.S. Consulate dated October 23, 2025. The letter stated that his nonimmigrant visa had been revoked under the authority of the U.S. Department of State regulations.
Soyinka expressed surprise at the decision, insisting he had done nothing to justify it. “I’ve gone through my record and can’t find a single reason for this,” he said. “I have never been involved in any criminal activity or even a minor offence that could lead to such action. I keep asking myself—have I ever acted against the United States in any way?”
He did not confirm whether he plans to apply for a new visa or appeal the revocation.
Report suggest that the development has drawn widespread curiosity, given Soyinka’s long-standing relationship with the United States, where he has often been invited for lectures, academic exchanges, and cultural events.
