Nobel laureate and globally acclaimed writer, Professor Wole Soyinka, has revealed that his United States visa has been revoked under the administration of President Donald Trump, effectively barring him from entering the country.
Soyinka made the disclosure on Tuesday during a media interaction at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, where he addressed concerns over his sudden travel restriction.
“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 said. “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.”
According to the literary icon, the U.S. Consulate officially notified him of the decision through a formal letter, though no reason was provided for the visa revocation.
“I’m still looking into my past history,” Soyinka remarked. “I don’t have any past criminal record or even a felony or misdemeanour to qualify for the revocation.”
The revered playwright and human rights advocate expressed surprise and disbelief over the development, saying he has no history of misconduct that could have warranted such a measure.
“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 rhetorically.
Soyinka, who has been a frequent visitor to the U.S. for academic engagements, lectures, and literary events, did not indicate whether he plans to appeal the decision or seek diplomatic intervention.
