U.S. Revokes Wole Soyinka’s Visa Without Explanation

U.S. Revokes Wole Soyinka’s Visa Without Explanation

Renowned Nigerian poet and Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has revealed that his U.S. visa has been revoked, a move he says came without warning or explanation.

Speaking at a media briefing held Tuesday at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, Soyinka expressed surprise and confusion over the development.

“I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States,” he told journalists. “If you want to see me, you know where to find me.”

He explained that the press conference was necessary to inform those in the U.S. expecting him at upcoming events not to waste their time.

Soyinka said he was notified of the revocation via a letter dated October 23, 2025, from the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos. The letter, issued by the Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Section, stated that his B1/B2 visa, typically granted for business or tourism, had been revoked under U.S. Department of State regulations.

The reason for the action remains unclear. Soyinka emphasized that he has no criminal record and has never been convicted of any offense that might justify such a decision. “I’ve started looking back—have I ever misbehaved toward the United States of America?” he asked rhetorically.

He also noted that he had previously declined an invitation from the U.S. Consulate for a visa re-interview scheduled for September 11, expressing skepticism about the authenticity of the letter when he first received it. “I thought it was advance-fee fraud or maybe AI-generated spam,” he said, adding that he only accepted its legitimacy after further scrutiny.

Soyinka stressed that his relationship with U.S. diplomatic officials has always been respectful and courteous, making the revocation all the more puzzling. The incident comes amid broader efforts by the U.S. government to tighten immigration controls.