₦airaland Forum

Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has expressed shock after the United States revoked his visa, making it impossible for him to travel to the country for now.

Soyinka disclosed this on Tuesday during a media parley held at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island.

He explained that the revocation came as a surprise since he was unaware of any wrongdoing that could have warranted such action.

“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 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,” he added.

According to the renowned writer, the US Consulate in Lagos informed him of the revocation in a letter dated October 23, 2025.

The letter, issued by the Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Section of the Consulate, stated: “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as official notification by the United States Consulate General in Lagos that the nonimmigrant visa listed below has been revoked pursuant to the authority contained in U.S. Department of State regulations.”

Soyinka, however, said he was still trying to understand the reason behind the decision, noting that he has no criminal record or history of misconduct in the US or anywhere else.

“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?” he added, expressing confusion over the move.

Racoon:
Seem this fellas thinks the US cares about your social or governmental status. Do anyhow you go collect wotoporously

BlackViper:
. You're 100% right, but don't you find it embarrassing that our corrupt politicians can visit the United States, but our only Nobel Prize winner cannot?

Racoon:
See as e pain am enter bone. You denigrate the US Green card by tearing it and you think they will take such unpatriotic act lightly? Seem this fellas thinks the US cares about your social or governmental status as the lawless country he helped enthroned do?

You will neigh, moo, mew, chuckle, coo but no US authority gives a damn about a cornfield professor. Even your Tinubu is being careful of the US now. Do anyhow you go collect wotoporously

DiamondsAreFore:
Eeeya, sorry Prof. But seeing as you destroyed the Green Card in 2017 which a former US President lobbied to help you get, you ought to have an idea of why you find yourself in this predicament.

I agree that it is a shame that a Nobel laureate and one of the finest intellects that Africa has ever produced, cannot enter into the United States, but a former drug lord with dubious academic credentials can enter and leave America as he pleases, with his frequent meanderings funded by the Nigerian tax payer.

Streetinvestor2:
No be only Nobel winner na robbery winner. He never see shege

DiamondsAreFore:
Eeeya, sorry Prof. But seeing as you destroyed the Green Card in 2017 which a former US President lobbied to help you get, you ought to have an idea of why you find yourself in this predicament.

I agree that it is a shame that a Nobel laureate and one of the finest intellects that Africa has ever produced, cannot enter into the United States, but a former drug lord with dubious academic credentials can enter and leave America as he pleases, with his frequent meanderings funded by the Nigerian tax payer.

BlackViper:
You're 100% right, but don't you find it embarrassing that our corrupt politicians can visit the United States, but our only Nobel Prize winner cannot?

madridguy:
Which shege is that? He was invited for a program and let the people know his reason of not coming. Do you expect him to be crying?