US revokes Wole Soyinka’s Visa, Nobel Laureate expresses shock

US revokes Wole Soyinka’s Visa, Nobel Laureate expresses shock

By Johnson Arua

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has expressed shock over the revocation of his United States visa, a development that now bars him from entering the country.

Speaking during a media parley at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos, on Tuesday, Soyinka revealed that he received formal notification from the US Consulate in Lagos, dated October 23, 2025, informing him that his non-immigrant visa had been withdrawn.

“It is necessary for me to hold this conference so that people in the United States who are expecting me for this event or that event 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.”

The renowned playwright and essayist said he was at a loss as to what might have triggered the decision, insisting he had no past criminal records or infractions that could warrant the action.

“I’m still looking into my past history. I don’t have any criminal record, felony, or misdemeanour to qualify for this revocation. I’ve started asking myself, have I ever misbehaved toward the United States of America? Have I gone against the law anywhere?” he queried.

As of the time of filing this report, the US authorities have not publicly stated any reasons for the visa cancellation.