The United States government, under President Donald Trump, has revoked the visa of Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate and world-renowned writer, Professor Wole Soyinka.

Soyinka made this known on Tuesday during a media briefing at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island.

According to him, the decision came as a surprise, as he has no record of wrongdoing that could justify such an action.

“It is necessary for me to hold this conference so that people in the United States who are expecting me for one event or another do not waste their time,” he said.

The professor explained that he received a formal notification from the U.S. Consulate confirming the visa withdrawal. The letter, dated October 23, 2025, did not specify any reason for the revocation.

“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,” Soyinka added.

He hinted that the move might be politically motivated, suggesting that his past criticism of Donald Trump could have played a role. In previous interviews, Soyinka had compared the former U.S. president to Uganda’s late dictator, Idi Amin — a remark that stirred reactions at the time.

“I’ve started looking back—have I ever misbehaved toward the United States of America? Have I been convicted? Have I gone against the law anywhere?” he asked rhetorically.

Despite the revocation, Soyinka said he remains unfazed and has no plans to appeal the decision.

“If they’ve decided I shouldn’t come, that’s their business. I’m quite fine right here,” he concluded.

The development has sparked reactions across Nigeria’s literary and diplomatic circles, with many describing the move as shocking and unnecessary, given Soyinka’s long-standing relationship with American universities and cultural institutions.