Nobel Laureate and globally celebrated writer, Professor Wole Soyinka, has revealed that the United States government under President Donald Trump has revoked his visa, effectively barring him from entering the country.
Soyinka made the disclosure on Tuesday at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, during an interaction with journalists, expressing surprise at the decision and noting that he was unaware of any wrongdoing that could have warranted the action.
He described the move as a possible act of witch-hunt, saying it was necessary to inform the public so that those expecting him in the United States for upcoming events would not waste their time. “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,” he stated.
The renowned playwright explained that he received an official notification of the visa withdrawal from the U.S. Consulate, confirming that he was no longer permitted to travel to the country. “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 said.
He noted that the revocation was formally communicated through a letter, which offered no explanation for the decision. “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,” he added.
Reflecting on the development, Soyinka questioned whether any of his past actions or comments might have led to the move. “I’ve started looking back—have I ever misbehaved toward the United States of America? Do I have a history? Have I been convicted? Have I gone against the law anywhere?” he asked.
Soyinka, one of Africa’s most revered intellectuals and a long-time figure in the U.S. literary and academic community, said the decision was both unexpected and puzzling, leaving many of his colleagues and admirers stunned.
