Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, disclosed that the United States has revoked his visa, effectively barring him from entering the country.
Soyinka made the revelation on Tuesday during a media briefing at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island.
He said he received an official notification from the U.S. Consulate dated Oct.23, informing him of the revocation.
According to him, the briefing was to notify organisations and individuals expecting him in the U.S. to suspend further arrangements.
“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,” Soyinka stated.
He said he was unaware of any reason for the action. “I don’t have any criminal record or even a misdemeanour to justify this.
“I keep wondering—have I ever offended the United States in any way?” he asked
The letter was reportedly issued by the Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Section of the U.S. Consulate.
It cited State Department regulations as the basis for the revocation but gave no specific reason.
Soyinka’s visa was a B1/B2 category, typically issued for business or tourism.
In September, PM News reported that Soyinka had declined an invitation from the U.S. Consulate to appear for a visa re-interview, which he initially dismissed as a possible scam.
Despite the development, the Nobel laureate said he bears no ill will toward U.S. authorities.
He noted that his relationship with American diplomats has always been cordial.
He added that while he would seek further clarification, he does not consider the incident a personal affront.
