Chess player and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has defended his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, insisting that the gesture was “not political” and should not be interpreted as “an endorsement” of the Nigerian president.
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—came under heavy criticism shortly after photos of his meeting with Tinubu surfaced online.
Many Nigerians, especially on social media, questioned the optics of the visit, arguing it contradicted his advocacy for slum children amid widespread economic hardship under the current administration.
However, while reacting to the backlash in a lengthy statement posted on his X handle on Wednesday, Onakoya said visiting the president was not a “crime”.
“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 said he has no political ambition and remains focused on his work with underserved children.
“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. I live for the audience of one, and that is enough,” he stated.
In the last few weeks, President Tinubu has received a number of endorsements from the National Assembly and visits from political actors like former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose and the People’s Democratic Party’s Segun Sowunmi.
However, Onakoya emphasised that his visit was not an endorsement of Tinubu’s government but an opportunity to share his vision of building the largest Chess/STEM institute in the world.
“A visit is not an endorsement. I will visit many more people and will continue to sell my chessboards,” Onakoya said.
The educator further noted that his work transcends charity, as it aims to transform children’s cognitive capacity and academic outcomes.
“We’re using chess as a tool to teach cognition. The real impact here is ensuring they have the critical capacity to think for themselves and putting them through formal or vocational education,” he explained.
Responding to claims that his initiative only thrives due to governmental failure, Onakoya rejected the notion, stating that “The rhetoric that Chess in Slums only exists because of bad governance is not accurate”.
He revealed that the organisation has partnered with the Lagos State government for over a year, helping children from the Jakande and Isale Eko communities.
“One of them recently graduated from furniture school and is living again,” he said.
Onakoya, who rose from humble beginnings and learned chess in a barber’s shop, also addressed perceptions of his character.
“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,” he said.
Meanwhile, in his visit, President Tinubu had acknowledged Onakoya’s efforts, saying, “Through chess, he opens minds and transforms lives in communities that are too often overlooked… His vision aligns with our administration’s: no child left behind, no talent wasted.”
In the meeting, Onakoya presented Tinubu with a gold-plated Adire chessboard and his Guinness World Record certificate. He later described the moment as humbling: “Grateful for the time, listening ear and kind invitation to Abuja to share our vision.”
