Tunde Onakoya, the acclaimed chess champion recently honoured with a Guinness World Record and recognition from the City of New York, has responded to mounting criticism surrounding his visit to President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Onakoya clarified that the meeting with the President was purely an engagement for national acknowledgment of his work and a broader commitment to youth empowerment, not a declaration of political loyalty.
Amid reactions that ranged from admiration to outrage, Onakoya expressed that he welcomed all feedback, whether positive or critical.
He explained that receiving commendation from the highest office in Nigeria for his achievements did not signify wrongdoing, nor should it be interpreted as political endorsement. He stressed that his mission was rooted in a long-standing dedication to transforming the lives of children through education and strategic thinking.
According to Onakoya, his visit to the President was unrelated to national honors or political aspirations. He revealed that he had turned down several awards in the past and found it absurd to be compared to individuals celebrated by nations involved in human rights violations or war crimes.
In his words, “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 made it clear that he is not interested in partisan politics, acknowledging that such involvement would compromise the integrity of his work. Should that ever change, Onakoya said he would step down from his leadership role at Chess in Slums Africa — the nonprofit organisation he founded to uplift children in marginalised communities through chess education.
Responding to claims that his initiative only exists due to systemic failures in governance, Onakoya refuted the idea as misleading. He described Chess in Slums as a tool for empowering the minds of children who, due to their circumstances, are unable to access formal education.
For him, the organisation is neither a charity nor a typical non-governmental entity but a transformative movement using chess as a medium for mental development and educational intervention.
He also pointed out that many people focus solely on the visible stories of street children being helped, yet the real impact lies in helping these children build critical thinking skills and pursue academic or vocational pathways.
Onakoya stated, “What most of you measure as the most tangible impact is us 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…”
Onakoya, who consults globally with educational institutions and tech companies, reaffirmed his long-term vision, saying that every resource or influence he gains will be channelled toward creating opportunities for underserved children.
He insisted that meeting with leaders or public figures is not a form of endorsement, and that he would continue to promote his chess boards and advocacy through every platform available to him.
He urged critics to understand that their knowledge of him is shaped mostly by social media, which he believes cannot reflect a person’s full character. “But reputation is not character,” he wrote. “It’s been ten long years of staying with this one thing, so I know for a fact that I have earned the benefit of the doubt.”
Looking toward the future, Onakoya expressed that the vision for a Chess/STEM institute, where thousands of children can gain quality education and dream anew, remains firmly intact. He said that when that dream becomes reality, many of the current polarised opinions will seem trivial in comparison.
He also disclosed that his initiative has never received foreign grants and operates primarily through community partnerships. One such effort is a current collaboration with the Lagos State Government to rehabilitate children from communities like Jakande and Isale Eko, giving them access to vocational training and a second chance at life.
As one example, he shared that a child taken off the street recently completed furniture school and has begun a new chapter. He emphasised the urgency of working together to protect such lives, regardless of political differences. Onakoya affirmed that if institutional collaboration is what it takes to scale and sustain the mission, then such partnerships — including with government bodies — are necessary, noting, “It’s your tax, anyway.”
He concluded by addressing the broader criticisms directly. Onakoya stated that his values remain unchanged despite public opinion and that every room he enters will be used to advocate for the needs and rights of vulnerable children. His final message: “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… I live for the audience of one, and that is enough.”
What you should know
Tunde Onakoya, known for his record-breaking chess feats and commitment to child education, clarified that his visit to President Tinubu was a non-political gesture focused on youth advocacy.
He reaffirmed his dedication to long-term educational reform through Chess in Slums Africa and noted that his organisation has thrived without international grants, relying instead on local partnerships and community-driven support.
