“I Have Been Banned”: US Revokes Wole Soyinka’s Visa, Nobel Laureate Breaks Silence

• Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has confirmed that his US visa has been revoked, barring him from entering the country
• The development was disclosed during a press briefing in Lagos, with Soyinka expressing confusion over the decision
• The US Consulate cited regulatory authority in a letter dated October 23, 2025, although no reason was given to Soyinka

Nobel Prize-winning author and playwright, Professor Wole Soyinka, has confirmed that his United States visa has been revoked, effectively barring him from entering the country.

The announcement was made during a media parley held on October 28, 2025, at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island.

Wole Soyinka banned from entering United States

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Soyinka stated that he was unaware of any wrongdoing that could have led to the revocation of his B1/B2 visa, which permits temporary travel to the US for business or tourism.

"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.

"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," he told journalists.

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The Nobel Laureate disclosed that the US Consulate had notified him of the decision in a letter dated October 23, 2025.

The letter, reportedly issued by the Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Section of the Consulate General in Lagos, stated:

"This letter serves as official notification by the United States Consulate General in Lagos that the non-immigrant visa listed below has been revoked pursuant to the authority contained in U.S. Department of State regulations."

Reason for Soyinka’s visa revocation remains unclear

Soyinka expressed bewilderment over the development, noting that he had no criminal record or history of misconduct that could justify such action being taken against him.

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“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 said.

“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?”

While the specific reason for the visa revocation remains undisclosed, the announcement comes amid broader efforts by the US government to tighten immigration policies and reduce the influx of migrants.

US embassy allegedly quietly revoking Nigerian visas

Legit.ng earlier reported that the United States Embassy in Nigeria had reportedly begun quietly revoking valid visas previously issued to citizens from the West African country, triggering widespread disruption for professionals, entrepreneurs, and families who rely on international travel for work, education, and personal commitments.

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In a recent article, former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye, claimed that numerous Nigerians had received official letters from the US Embassy recently, instructing recipients to submit their passports to consulates in Lagos or Abuja, where their visas were subsequently cancelled without explanation.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng