Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has been barred from entering the United States after the U.S. Consulate revoked his non-immigrant visa (B1/B2).
Soyinka announced the news during a media briefing on Tuesday at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, stating he received an official letter confirming the revocation, dated October 23, 2025.
“I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States,” the author stated, adding that he decided to call the briefing so that organizations and individuals expecting him in the U.S. would not make further plans. “If you want to see me, you know where to find me.”
The letter, issued by the Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Section, reportedly cited U.S. Department of State regulations but did not specify the grounds for the decision. Soyinka stressed that he is unaware of any reason for the action. “I don’t have any past criminal record or even a misdemeanour to qualify for the revocation… Have I ever misbehaved toward the United States?” he asked.
The revocation follows Soyinka’s refusal in September to attend a visa re-interview appointment requested by the U.S. Consulate, which he had initially dismissed as a potential scam.
Despite the situation, Soyinka confirmed he harbors no hostility toward U.S. officials and will continue to seek clarity on the matter, emphasizing that he does not view it as a personal affront.
