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Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka announced on Tuesday that the United States has cancelled his non-immigrant visa. This action prevents the 90-year-old literary icon from traveling to the U.S. for the foreseeable future. Soyinka revealed the development during a press briefing at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island. Soyinka said:“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 added that he remains unaware of any misconduct that could justify the revocation, stating:“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.” The revocation letter, dated 23 October 2025, was issued by the NIV Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, citing authority under U.S. Department of State regulations. The letter informed Soyinka that his B1/B2 non‑immigrant visa—intended for business or tourism travel—had been revoked. Soyinka recalled a prior incident on 10 September 2025, when he declined a U.S. Consulate invitation for a visa re‑interview, stating in an interview that he would not honour the request. At the time, the Consulate had summoned several B1/B2 visa holders for “visa interviews.” The Nobel laureate expressed bewilderment over the sudden move, noting: “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 also described his longstanding courteous relations with U.S. diplomatic staff, suggesting the revocation was unexpected. The U.S. government has recently intensified efforts to curb irregular migration, but the specific reason for Soyinka’s visa cancellation remains undisclosed. The revocation has sparked widespread media attention and public debate.
