Wole Soyinka Banned from Entering U.S. as Visa Gets Revoked

Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, says his United States visa has been revoked, effectively barring him from entering the country.

Soyinka made the disclosure on Tuesday while addressing journalists at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island.

“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,” he said. “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 activist said he was informed of the decision through an official letter dated October 23, 2025, from the U.S. Consulate in Lagos.

According to him, the letter 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as official notification by the United States Consulate General in Lagos that the nonimmigrant visa listed below has been revoked pursuant to the authority contained in U.S. Department of State regulations.”

Soyinka noted that he was unaware of any wrongdoing that could have led to the action.

“I’m still looking into my past history… I don’t have any criminal record or even a misdemeanour to qualify for the revocation,” he said. “I keep asking myself — have I ever misbehaved toward the United States of America? Have I gone against the law anywhere?”

The literary icon did not confirm whether he had reapplied for a new visa or appealed the decision.