Nobel laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, has revealed that the United States (US) government has revoked his non-immigrant visa, effectively barring him from entering the country.
Soyinka made the disclosure during a media parley themed "Unending Saga: Idi Amin In Whiteface!" held at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island.
The literary icon suggested that the move might be politically motivated, linking it to his long-standing criticism of former US President Donald Trump.
"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," the 89-year-old writer told journalists.
The playwright and activist confirmed that his B1/B2 visa, a temporary travel document for business or tourism, was withdrawn by the US Consulate General in Lagos.
Soyinka read from the official notification, dated October 23, 2025, which stated that the visa was revoked under US Department of State regulations after "additional information became available."
The letter, issued by the Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Section of the Consulate, listed his personal details, including his name, date of birth, and visa issuance information.
Despite the setback, Soyinka said he was unaware of any wrongdoing that could justify the revocation.
"I’m still looking into my past history… I don’t have any past criminal record or even a misdemeanour. Have I ever misbehaved toward the United States of America? Have I gone against the law anywhere?" he queried.
He insisted that he bore no animosity towards the U.S. or its citizens.
"I will continue to welcome any American to my home if they have anything legitimate to do with me. As a global citizen, I will keep speaking out against racism and unjust policies, including those of Donald Trump," he said.
Soyinka said he felt compelled to make the announcement publicly so that organisers expecting him for speaking engagements in the US would not "waste their time."
The revocation comes weeks after Soyinka declined an invitation from the U.S. Consulate in Lagos to attend a visa "re-interview" scheduled for September 11, 2025.
The request, sent to several B1/B2 visa holders, was intended to verify travel records and eligibility.
At the time, Soyinka said he initially dismissed the letter as a scam, saying that he had never received such a request before.
"I even thought maybe AI was generating generic letters. It was very strange," he said.
Upon confirming the invitation’s authenticity, the Nobel Laureate still refused to attend, insisting he had no interest in seeking entry into the US.
"The question of going to such an interview is totally out of consideration," he said, adding that the choice of September 11 for the appointment was "insensitive," as the date should be reserved for national reflection in the US.
He further criticised the Trump administration, describing the former president as a "white Idi Amin", a reference to the Ugandan dictator notorious for authoritarian rule.
Soyinka, who famously tore up his US Green Card in 2016 following Trump’s election victory, reiterated that his stance was rooted in principle rather than personal animosity.
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