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The United States government under President Donald Trump has revoked the visa of Nobel Laureate and internationally acclaimed writer, Professor Wole Soyinka.
Soyinka disclosed this on Tuesday at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, where he addressed journalists on the issue.
Noting that he was taken aback by the decision, Soyinka said he was unaware of any offence that could have led to the cancellation of his visa.
He suggested that the action of the US government was a witch-hunt.
“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 stated.
The Nobel laureate further revealed that he had received formal notification of the visa withdrawal from the US Consulate, noting 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,” Soyinka said.
According to him, the development was communicated through an official letter, though no specific reason was given for the action.
“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.”
The professor added that he had begun reflecting on whether any of his past actions might have triggered the decision.
“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 asked.
Soyinka, one of Africa’s most respected literary figures, has long maintained a strong relationship with the US academic and literary community, making the revocation a surprise to many observers.
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