Chess master and Chess in Slums Africa founder, Tunde Onakoya, has responded to public backlash over his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu, stating that the meeting was not political and should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of the current administration.
Onakoya, who recently made global headlines for setting a second Guinness World Record after playing chess for 64 hours non-stop in Times Square, New York, came under fire after photos of his meeting with President Tinubu in Lagos circulated online.
Critics, particularly on social media, questioned the optics of the visit. Many argued that Onakoya’s advocacy for underprivileged children stood at odds with a government widely blamed for worsening economic conditions across Nigeria.
“Not a crime to be honoured by my country”
In a detailed statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Onakoya addressed the criticisms head-on, insisting that being received by the president should not be controversial.
“To be honoured and received by the President and the highest office in my own country for this reason is not a crime,” he wrote. “It is not even a national honour, by the way.”
The 29-year-old reiterated his non-partisan stance, emphasizing that he has no political ambitions and remains focused on his work with underserved communities through chess education.
“I have no interest in partisan politics because of the sensitivity of the work that I do,” he said. “If that ever changes, then I would resign my role as CEO of Chess in Slums Africa.”
“A visit is not an endorsement”
Amid growing political endorsements of Tinubu from across Nigeria’s political landscape, Onakoya stressed that his own visit was purely centered on promoting education and opportunity—not politics.
“A visit is not an endorsement. I will visit many more people and will continue to sell my chessboards,” he stated, referring to his vision of building the largest Chess/STEM institute in the world.
He further explained that his organisation’s mission goes far beyond charity. “We’re using chess as a tool to teach cognition,” he said. “The real impact is ensuring children develop the critical capacity to think for themselves, while accessing formal or vocational education.”
“Reputation is not character”
Onakoya also pushed back against suggestions that Chess in Slums only thrives in the absence of effective governance. He pointed out that his NGO has partnered with the Lagos State Government for over a year to empower children in under-resourced communities such as Jakande and Isale Eko.
“The rhetoric that Chess in Slums only exists because of bad governance is not accurate,” he said. “One of our beneficiaries recently graduated from furniture school and is living again.”
Drawing on his personal journey from learning chess in a Lagos barbershop to gaining global acclaim, Onakoya highlighted the distinction between public perception and personal integrity:
“You may not understand my intentions or character because the only thing you know about me is what I let on social media. But reputation is not character.”
Support from Macaroni and a history of engagement
While public reaction has been mixed, popular skit maker and government critic Mr. Macaroni defended Onakoya, calling for more tolerance in how society evaluates the contributions of change-makers.
“Let us appreciate the efforts of individuals trying to build a better country—even if their methods differ,” he said, while disclosing that he has personally declined similar invitations from political figures.
This is not Onakoya’s first high-profile political meeting. In April 2024, following his Times Square achievement, he was hosted by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who named him Sports Ambassador of the state.
Tinubu praises Onakoya’s impact
During their meeting, President Tinubu praised Onakoya’s transformative work with chess:
“Through chess, he opens minds and transforms lives in communities that are too often overlooked,” Tinubu said. “His vision aligns with our administration’s: no child left behind, no talent wasted.”
Onakoya presented the president with a gold-plated Adire chessboard and his Guinness World Record certificate, describing the encounter as humbling.
“Grateful for the time, listening ear, and kind invitation to Abuja to share our vision,” he wrote.
