Nobel Laureate and renowned Nigerian writer Professor Wole Soyinka announced in Lagos on Tuesday that his U.S. visa has been permanently revoked by the United States government under President Donald Trump. Soyinka said he received a formal letter from the U.S. Consulate informing him of the visa cancellation but was given no specific reason for the decision.

Speaking at the Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park in Lagos Island, Soyinka said he was shocked by the outcome and maintains that he has no past criminal record or other offence that would justify the revocation. He described the action as a “witch-hunt” and stated that he was unaware of any act on his part that could have triggered such a ban.

The literary icon said his concern was that U.S. institutions had now signalled that long-standing visitors or intellectuals from other countries could lose their visas without explanation. “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.

Soyinka further explained that he was compelled to hold the press conference so that those in the United States expecting him at events could be informed early and avoid wasted travel plans. The announcement has generated questions among the academic and cultural communities about due process in visa revocations.

While diplomatic sources did not immediately respond to requests for comment, the incident has highlighted growing concerns about visa unpredictability for visiting foreign scholars and artists. Soyinka said he is examining his legal options and reflecting on whether any past action of his may have been misinterpreted by U.S. authorities.