Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has said he was taken aback when he learned his visa to the United States had been revoked, preventing him from travelling there at this time.

He shared this news on Tuesday during a press briefing at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, located in Freedom Park on Lagos Island.

Soyinka noted that he did not know about any misconduct that might have led to this decision.

“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 through a letter dated 23 October 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as official notification by the United States Consulate General in Lagos that the nonimmigrant visa listed below has been revoked pursuant to the authority contained in U.S. Department of State regulations.”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, mentioned that he is still trying to understand the reason for the decision, noting that he has no criminal record or history of misconduct in the US or elsewhere.

“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.