Renowned Nigerian playwright and Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has revealed that his United States visa has been revoked, effectively barring him from entering the country.

Soyinka made the disclosure on Tuesday during a press briefing held at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island. The literary icon said the announcement was necessary to inform his American audience and collaborators who may be expecting him at upcoming engagements.

“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,” Soyinka stated. “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.”

READ ALSO:

• Elon Musk unveils Grokipedia to compete with Wikipedia
• Tinubu meets new Service Chiefs after major military shake-up
• Naira strengthens further as CBN rate hits N1,452.79/$

According to Soyinka, the U.S. Consulate in Lagos communicated the decision via an official letter dated October 23, 2025. The letter cited regulatory authority from the U.S. Department of State as the basis for the revocation but did not provide specific reasons.

“This letter serves as official notification by the United States Consulate General in Lagos that the nonimmigrant visa listed below has been revoked pursuant to the authority contained in U.S. Department of State regulations,” the letter read in part.

Soyinka expressed bewilderment over the development, insisting he has never committed any offence that would warrant such action.

“I’m still looking into my past history… I don’t have any criminal record or even a misdemeanour to qualify for the revocation,” he said. “I keep asking myself — have I ever misbehaved toward the United States of America? Have I gone against the law anywhere?”

The professor did not confirm whether he intends to reapply for a visa or contest the decision.

Soyinka, a vocal advocate for human rights and democracy, has long maintained strong ties with academic and cultural institutions in the United States. The revocation of his visa has sparked concern among admirers and colleagues both at home and abroad.