US REVOKES WOLE SOYINKA’S VISA, NOBEL LAUREATE EXPRESSES SHOCK

Nobel Laureate and renowned playwright, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has expressed surprise over the revocation of his United States visa by the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos.

Soyinka, speaking during a press briefing at Freedom Park, Lagos, said he received an official letter on October 23, 2025, notifying him that his non-immigrant visa (B1/B2) had been revoked under the authority of the U.S. Department of State.

“I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States,” he said. “I don’t have any past criminal record or even a misdemeanour to justify this revocation.”

The Nobel Laureate, who has frequently visited the U.S. for academic and cultural engagements, said the decision came without prior notice or explanation, adding that he is still trying to understand what could have prompted it.

“I’m still searching my past—have I ever misbehaved toward the United States? Do I have any conviction? None,” Soyinka said.

He noted that the visa revocation means he cannot attend several scheduled international events in the U.S. and advised his hosts to suspend any plans involving his attendance until the matter is resolved.

The U.S. Consulate has yet to issue a public statement on the reason for the visa revocation.

Soyinka’s team is reportedly reviewing the situation and considering possible diplomatic steps to clarify the development.

The incident has drawn attention to the increasing number of reported visa revocations by the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, often without stated reasons.

Prof. Soyinka, 90, remains one of Africa’s most celebrated literary figures and has been a frequent speaker at academic and cultural events around the world.