Chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has addressed the controversy surrounding his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu, stating emphatically that his work transcends partisan politics.
In a lengthy post shared via his official X handle yesterday, Onakoya responded to the mixed reactions that followed his meeting with the president, clarifying that the engagement was not a political endorsement but a recognition of a global achievement.
“I am a world record holder which means I have attained something no one else in the world has ever done. I was recently honoured and awarded by the city of New York. To be honoured and received by the President and the highest office in my own country for this reason is not a crime. (It is not even a national honour by the way),” he wrote.
Onakoya’s recent feat — setting the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, has drawn international acclaim. But his visit to the Presidential Villa sparked criticism from Nigerians wary of perceived complicity with government institutions. The chess advocate, however, was quick to set the record straight, stating: “A visit is not an endorsement. I will visit many more people and will continue to sell my chess boards.”
Addressing claims that Chess in Slums Africa exists only because of government failure, Onakoya offered a broader context.
He said: “The rhetoric that Chess in Slums only exists or is relevant because of bad governance is not accurate. The real impact of our work is in the synapses. We’re using b chess as a tool to teach cognition and improve academic outcomes.”
He emphasized that the initiative is not a charity nor a token NGO project, but a structured intervention focused on building intellectual capacity and providing long-term educational pathways for children in marginalized communities.
Onakoya reiterated his apolitical stance and the integrity of his work.
“What most of you measure as the most tangible impact is we just dignifying the stories of the children you see all the time on the streets but pay no attention to. The real impact here is ensuring they have the critical capacity to think for themselves and putting them through informal or vocational education,” he said. “I have no interest in partisan politics because of the sensitivity of the work that I do. If that ever changes, then I would resign my role as CEO of Chess in Slums Africa.”
He also responded to those questioning his credibility or motives, reminding critics of the consistency and resilience behind his decade-long journey.
He said: “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. It’s been 10 long years of staying with this one thing, so I know for a fact that I have earned the benefit of the doubt.”
Despite working globally with tech firms and educational institutions, Onakoya revealed that his organisation has never relied on international grants since inception, an effort sustained through sheer grit, community support, and personal conviction. He also nhighlighted a growing partnership with the Lagos State Government aimed at rehabilitating street children in areas like Jakande and Isale Eko.
“We have never applied or received any international grants in this time,” he noted. “One of them recently graduated from furniture school and is living again. Yes, we will partner with the government to scale this impact and institutionalize it so Tunde stops being the hero of the story. It’s your tax anyway.”
Onakoya reaffirmed that his commitment to building a better Nigeria began a decade ago and remains unchanged. While his actions may sometimes be misunderstood, he insisted his focus will always be on serving the needs of vulnerable children.
He warned against reducing his work to a political narrative, calling instead for honest conversations and collective responsibility.
“Finally I’d say this, My fight is different,” he declared. “I’m not on the fence. I took a stand 10 years ago for the country I want to see. The truth is I
will do many more things that may challenge your perception of me, but I know my heart is in the right place and whatever rooms my vision gives me access to, I will put the dreams and needs of the children first. I live for the audience of one, and that is enough.
“Please, continue to hold the government accountable (past, present and future). If it means me getting some smoke as well, that’s okay. I will do what I must to stand in the gap.
Looking ahead, he reiterated his long-term vision, the establishment of a Chess/STEM institute that will educate and empower thousands of children.
“In a decade or two, the Chess/STEM institute will stand and it will be a place where thousands of children will dream again and be educated in a way that makes them valuable to the world,” he assured.
Fresh from an international tour with five children in New York and plans underway for another chess event in Budapest, Onakoya stressed that Nigeria’s story is being redefined, not by pity, but by demonstrated intellectual excellence. He closed his statement with a call for support and investment in scale-driven solutions
“The world is finally paying attention to the Nigerian child not because of the sad tales of poverty or pity but because [they] have shown intellectual capacity.”
“In the end, if you want to change the world, someone has to pay for it. We must raise capital at scale. It’s the only way to move the needle,” he added.
Through his response, Onakoya reaffirmed his commitment to the children at the heart of his mission, calling for deeper understanding, less cynicism, and a shared resolve to build a better Nigeria.
