Donald Trump has banned me from entering America – Prof Wole Soyinka
Donald Trump has banned me from entering America – Prof Wole Soyinka
The United States government, under the administration of President Donald Trump, has revoked the visa of Nobel Laureate and renowned writer, Professor Wole Soyinka.
Soyinka made the disclosure on Tuesday while addressing journalists at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island.
Expressing surprise at the development, he said he was unaware of any wrongdoing that could have prompted the action.
Describing the move as a possible witch-hunt, 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.”
The Nobel Laureate revealed that he had received formal notification of the visa withdrawal from the U.S. Consulate, confirming that he was now unable to travel to the country.
“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 stated.
According to Soyinka, the revocation was communicated through an official letter, although no reason was provided for the decision.
“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 explained.
He added that the development had prompted him to reflect on his past relationship with the U.S., saying, “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?”
The decision has drawn attention both locally and internationally, given Soyinka’s longstanding ties with the U.S. academic and literary community.
