Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has revealed that the United States government has revoked his visa.
Soyinka announced the development on Tuesday during a media parley at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, expressing surprise and uncertainty over what may have prompted the decision.
“I felt it necessary to hold this conference so that those in the United States expecting me for engagements do not waste their time,” he told journalists. “I have no visa; I am obviously banned from entering the United States. If you need to see me, then you know where to find me.”
The playwright explained that the U.S. Consulate notified him through a letter dated October 23, 2025.
Part of the letter, which he displayed to reporters, read: “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as official notification by the United States Consulate General in Lagos that the nonimmigrant visa listed below has been revoked pursuant to the authority contained in U.S. Department of State regulations.” It was issued by the Consulate’s NIV Section.
Soyinka expressed confusion over the revocation, insisting he has no criminal history that could justify such an action.
“I’m still searching my past—have I ever misbehaved toward the United States? Have I been convicted of any crime? Have I violated the law anywhere?” he queried.
Media had earlier reported on September 10, 2025, that Soyinka refused to honour a re-interview invitation from the U.S. Consulate slated for September 11. The interview was reportedly part of new procedures affecting holders of B1/B2 non-immigrant visas—granted for business and tourism.
Speaking to the outlet at the time, Soyinka said he initially doubted the authenticity of the request.
“I first thought the letter was fake—perhaps a scam targeting visa seekers,” he said. “I even imagined AI might have generated it. It was very strange.”
He added that upon confirming the letter’s authenticity, he reflected on his long-standing cordial relationship with U.S. diplomatic officials, including ambassadors, consuls general, and cultural attachés.
“For me, this is not a personal issue,” he stressed.
