Tunde Onakoya Defends Visit To President Tinubu Stresses Non-Political Motive.
Tunde Onakoya, the renowned chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, has addressed the controversy surrounding his recent visit to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, firmly denying any political motives. The meeting, which sparked significant debate on social media, was described by Onakoya as a step towards advancing youth empowerment, not an endorsement of the current administration.
Onakoya, who recently set a second Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon—playing non-stop for 64 hours in Times Square, New York—faced criticism after photos of his meeting with Tinubu surfaced online. Many Nigerians questioned the optics of the visit, given the economic challenges faced under the current government. In a detailed statement shared on his X account on Wednesday, Onakoya clarified his position, stating, “I have no interest in partisan politics, and visiting President Bola Tinubu is not a crime.”
The chess prodigy, celebrated for his work empowering children in underserved communities, explained that the visit was focused on discussing initiatives to support young people. He highlighted his organisation’s ongoing collaboration with the Lagos State government, which has helped children from communities like Jakande and Isale Eko. “One of them recently graduated from furniture school and is thriving,” Onakoya noted, rejecting claims that his Chess in Slums initiative exists solely due to governmental failures. “The rhetoric that Chess in Slums only exists because of bad governance is not accurate,” he added.
Onakoya’s visit was also acknowledged by President Tinubu, who stated that the chess champion’s vision aligns with his administration’s goals for youth development. However, Onakoya was quick to clarify that the meeting was not an endorsement of the president or his policies. “My work is about purpose, not politics,” he emphasised.
The backlash Onakoya faced underscores the polarised nature of Nigeria’s socio-political landscape, where public figures are often scrutinised for their associations. Yet, Onakoya remains steadfast in his mission to uplift disadvantaged youth through chess and education. His organisation, Chess in Slums Africa, continues to transform lives by providing opportunities for children in impoverished communities to develop critical thinking and life skills through the game of chess.
Recently appointed as a Sports Ambassador by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Onakoya’s influence continues to grow. His record-breaking chess marathon in New York further cemented his global reputation, drawing attention to his advocacy for education and empowerment. Despite the criticism, Onakoya’s supporters have rallied behind him, praising his dedication to creating positive change without being swayed by partisan divides.
In his statement, Onakoya called for understanding, urging critics to focus on the broader impact of his work rather than politicising his actions. “Visiting the president was about building bridges for the sake of the children we serve,” he wrote. As Nigeria grapples with economic and social challenges, figures like Onakoya continue to shine a light on the power of purpose-driven initiatives to inspire hope and transformation.