Godsent Ogbebor
Tunde Onakoya Defends Tinubu Visit, Says It Wasn’t Political
Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has defended his visit to President Bola Tinubu, insisting that the gesture was not politically motivated but rooted in his lifelong commitment to giving hope to disadvantaged children.
Following mixed reactions on social media, Onakoya explained that his decision to meet with the president was not an endorsement but a recognition of the work that has changed countless lives.
He said the visit was a continuation of his mission to put street children at the centre of national conversations, using chess as a powerful tool to inspire and educate.
In a message shared via his X account on Wednesday, Onakoya acknowledged the criticism but said it would not distract him from his purpose. “The love, the hate, the applause, and the criticism are all valid and I embrace them. But my work is for the children who have been ignored for too long,” he wrote.
The Lagos-born activist recently gained international attention after breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.
Shortly after, he was honoured by the City of New York, an achievement he believes should be celebrated back home as well. “Being received by the President for this isn’t a crime. It’s not even a national honour,” he said, noting that he has previously declined other awards when he felt it necessary.
Responding to suggestions that his work is only relevant because of poor governance, Onakoya pushed back, saying his initiative is not a reaction to failure but a deliberate effort to give children the tools to think and learn. “This is not charity. Chess is a learning tool, a way to build critical thinking. We’re restoring dignity to children who’ve fallen through the cracks,” he said.
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Onakoya stressed that Chess in Slums has never depended on foreign grants and has survived purely on the goodwill of individuals, private organisations, and local partnerships.
He revealed that his team has been working with the Lagos State Government to rehabilitate street children from underserved communities like Jakande and Isale Eko, with some already graduating from vocational programmes.
Addressing accusations of political alignment, he stated clearly: “I have no interest in partisan politics. If that ever changes, I’ll step down as CEO of Chess in Slums Africa. A visit is not an endorsement.”
He noted that public perception, especially on social media, should not be mistaken for his character. “You only know what I allow you to see online. But reputation is not character. I’ve been doing this for ten years, and that should count for something,” he said.
As criticism continues to swirl, Onakoya made it clear that his mission will not shift. “In ten or twenty years, when the Chess/STEM institute stands and children are being educated in a way that makes them valuable to the world, today’s strong opinions will fade,” he said.
He ended by thanking everyone who has supported the work over the years and urged the public to keep their focus on what truly matters. “There are lives at stake. We all have a role to play. And yes, we will work with the government to expand our impact. It’s your tax anyway,” he said.
