Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has revealed that the United States government has revoked his visa, effectively barring his entry into the country.
Soyinka made the announcement on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, during a media parley held at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island.
The 60-year-old literary icon said he was taken aback by the development, as he was unaware of any action that might have warranted such a decision.
“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,” Soyinka told journalists.
According to him, the U.S. Consulate in Lagos notified him of the revocation through a letter dated Thursday, October 23, 2025.
The letter, issued by the Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Section of the Consulate, 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as official notification by the United States Consulate General in Lagos that the nonimmigrant visa listed below has been revoked pursuant to the authority contained in U.S. Department of State regulations.”
Wole Soyinka said he was still trying to understand the reason behind the decision.
“I’m still looking into my past history… I don’t have any past criminal record or even a misdemeanor to qualify for this revocation.”
“Have I ever misbehaved toward the United States? Do I have a history? Have I gone against the law anywhere?” he questioned.
The U.S. government has in recent times intensified measures to control immigration and review visa eligibility, though it remains unclear whether these policies are linked to Soyinka’s case.
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