Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has revealed that the United States has revoked his visa, preventing him from entering the country for the time being.
He made the disclosure during a media briefing on Tuesday at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island.
Soyinka said he was informed of the revocation via an official letter from the U.S. Consulate, dated October 23, 2025. He explained that he called the briefing so that organizations and individuals expecting him in the U.S. would not make further plans.
“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, adding that he was unaware of any reason for the action. “I don’t have any past criminal record or even a misdemeanour to qualify for the revocation. I’m still looking back—have I ever misbehaved toward the United States?”
The letter, issued by the Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Section of the Consulate, reportedly stated that the revocation was done under U.S. Department of State regulations. However, it did not specify the grounds for the decision.
Soyinka’s visa was a B1/B2 category, typically issued for business or tourism.
In September, PM News had reported that Soyinka declined a request from the U.S. Consulate to attend a visa re-interview appointment. He said at the time that he initially thought the notification letter was fake or a scam.
Despite the situation, Soyinka stressed that he harbors no hostility toward U.S. officials, noting his past relationship with American diplomats has always been cordial.
He said he will continue to seek clarity on the matter but does not consider it a personal affront.
