Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka on Tuesday revealed that the United States has revoked his visa, effectively barring him from entering the country
Speaking at a media briefing at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, Soyinka said he was unaware of any actions on his part that could have led to the revocation.
“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,” he told journalists.
The reason for the visa cancellation remains unclear, with Soyinka stating he is still trying to understand the development. He said he was notified by the US Consulate in Lagos through a letter dated 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as official notification by the United States Consulate General in Lagos that the nonimmigrant visa listed below has been revoked pursuant to the authority contained in U.S. Department of State regulations.”
Soyinka expressed bewilderment over the decision, noting, “I’m still looking into my past history… I don’t have any past criminal record or even a felony or misdemeanour to qualify for the revocation. Have I ever misbehaved toward the United States? Do I have a history? Have I been convicted? Have I gone against the law anywhere?”
Earlier, on September 10, 2025, Soyinka had declined an invitation from the US Consulate for a visa re-interview scheduled for September 11. The invitation targeted Nigerians holding B1/B2 visas, which are temporary non-immigrant visas for business (B1) or tourism (B2).
Reflecting on the letter at the time, Soyinka said, “At first, I thought it was fake—scammers often send such letters to those seeking visas. I even considered that AI might have generated it. By the time I realized the letter was genuine, I reflected on my past interactions with ambassadors, Consuls General, and Cultural Attachés. As you know, it has always been a courteous relationship.”
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Imagine the disrespect. If tinubu lets this slide, his time will also come
A man that knows his onions. Respect sir