United States Government has revoked Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka’s visa to the country.
This was disclosed by Soyinka himself on Tuesday at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, at a press conference where he announced the development.
Soyinka, who said he was shocked by the decision, stated that he was not aware of any offence that could have led to the cancellation of his visa.
The Nobel Laureate accused the US government of witch-hunting him.
“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 said.
Soyinka disclosed that he had received formal notification of his 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,” he said.
The Nobel Laureate said 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,” he said.
He also said he had begun to reflect on whether any of his past actions might have triggered the US Government’s 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.
The Nobel Laureate, who is one of Africa’s most respected literary icons, has maintained a strong relationship with the US academic and literary community, making the revocation of his visa shocking to many observers.
