Chess champion Tunde Onakoya, has responded to widespread criticism following his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement shared on X, Onakoya said the meeting was not political but a moment of national recognition.
The young chess prodigy, who recently earned a Guinness World Record and was celebrated by the City of New York, said meeting the President should not be seen as a betrayal or political move.
“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.
He said he understands that people are emotional—some with praise, others with criticism—and he is open to all of it. But he urged Nigerians not to judge his work or character based on a single event or perception.
“I have no interest in partisan politics because of the sensitivity of the work that I do,” he said, adding that if that ever changes, he would step down as CEO of Chess in Slums Africa.
Onakoya also pushed back against the claim that his project only thrives because of poor governance. According to him, Chess in Slums is not a charity but a strategic intervention using chess to help children develop thinking skills and access real education, formal or vocational.
“The real impact of our work is in the synapses,” he said. “We’re using chess as a tool to teach cognition and improve academic outcomes.”
He made it clear that partnerships with the government are necessary to make a sustainable impact, especially when real lives are involved. He gave the example of a boy from Isale Eko who recently graduated from furniture school through their efforts.
“We may disagree on politics, but there are actual lives at stake and we all have a role to play… Yes, we will partner with the government to scale this impact and institutionalise it so Tunde stops being the hero of the story. It’s your tax anyway.”
As for the backlash over his presidential visit, he was candid: “A visit is not an endorsement. I will visit many more people and will continue to sell my chess boards.”
To those drawing parallels between him and others who have received awards from questionable regimes, he simply said: “Comparing me to people who have received awards and recognition from countries that have committed war crimes is at best laughable.”
He rounded off with a message to critics and supporters alike: “I live for the audience of one, and that is enough.”
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