Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has had his travel visa to the United States revoked, according to an announcement made during a press conference at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery in Lagos. The renowned scholar stated that he was unaware of any wrongdoing that could have led to the revocation, noting that he has no criminal record or history of misbehavior towards the US.

The US Consulate in Lagos informed Soyinka of the revocation via a letter dated October 23, citing authority contained in US Department of State regulations. The letter, issued by the Non-Immigrant Visa Section of the Consulate, did not provide a reason for the revocation. Soyinka expressed his surprise, stating that he has started reviewing his past to determine if he may have unintentionally committed an offense.

Soyinka held the press conference to inform individuals in the US who may have been expecting him for various events that he would no longer be able to attend due to the visa revocation. He emphasized that he is now banned from entering the US and invited those who wish to see him to visit him in Nigeria.

The revocation of Soyinka’s visa has raised questions, as the scholar has been a prominent figure in global intellectual and cultural circles. As a Nobel laureate, Soyinka has been recognized for his contributions to literature and his advocacy for human rights and social justice. The US Consulate’s decision to revoke his visa without providing a reason has sparked curiosity, with many awaiting further clarification on the matter.

The development may have implications for Soyinka’s future engagements and travels to the US, where he has been a frequent visitor and has maintained a significant presence in academic and literary circles. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the revocation of his visa will affect his work and relationships with institutions and individuals in the US.