Renowned Nigerian writer and Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has revealed that the United States government has revoked his visa, effectively barring him from entering the country.
Soyinka made the disclosure during a media parley at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery in Freedom Park, Lagos Island, where he addressed journalists and supporters.
“I Have No Visa; I Am Banned” — Soyinka
Speaking during the session, the literary icon stated that he was unaware of any wrongdoing that could have led to the 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. I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States,” he declared.
US Embassy Cites Immigration Law
According to reports, the US Embassy in Nigeria referenced Section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which gives consular officers the discretion to revoke visas at any time.
The development comes amid recent changes in US visa policies for Nigerians, which include reducing visa validity from five years to three months and issuing single-entry visas instead of multiple-entry ones.
Soyinka’s Past Criticism of US Politics
It will be recalled that Wole Soyinka has been outspoken about American politics, particularly during the Donald Trump administration.
In 2016, the Nobel laureate publicly tore up his US Green Card in protest against what he described as Trump’s divisive and xenophobic policies.
As of press time, the US Embassy has not provided additional details regarding the specific reason behind Soyinka’s visa revocation.
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