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Why I Met Tinubu: Tunde Onakoya Breaks Silence, Shocks Critics
Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has clarified that his recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu was focused solely on youth development and had no political undertones, contrary to claims by some critics.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Onakoya, who was recently honoured by the City of New York following his Guinness World Record feat, emphasized that being acknowledged by Nigeria’s highest office should not be seen as a crime or a sign of political alignment.
Facing backlash online, Onakoya took to his official (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, June 11, to address the controversy. In his statement, he asserted that meeting the President in recognition of his achievements is not an endorsement or wrongdoing.
“I’ll say a few things. The anger, the hate, the love, the applause, the criticism – all of it is valid and I embrace it,” he began. “I am a world record holder. I have achieved something no one else in the world has ever done. I was recently honoured by the City of New York. Being received by the President of my country for this reason is not a crime — and, to be clear, it wasn’t even a national honour.”
Onakoya revealed that he has turned down many awards in the past, adding that comparing him to individuals celebrated by countries with questionable histories is “laughable.”
He firmly distanced himself from partisan politics, stating:
“Due to the sensitive nature of my work, I have no interest in partisan politics. If that ever changes, I would step down as CEO of Chess in Slums Africa.”
Rejecting claims that his work exists only because of governmental failure, Onakoya clarified that the mission of Chess in Slums Africa is to restore dignity and access to education for children neglected by society.
“We’re using chess to develop cognitive ability and improve academic performance. This is not charity; it’s transformation. We intervene because these children have been failed by the system.”
He added:
“Our work isn’t driven by poor governance — it’s about creating thinkers and giving street children the opportunity to thrive through formal or vocational education.”
Onakoya also addressed misconceptions about his character, noting:
“What you know about me is what I’ve chosen to share online. Reputation isn’t the same as character. After ten years of unwavering dedication, I believe I’ve earned the benefit of the doubt.”
He concluded by reaffirming his long-term vision:
“This visit isn’t an endorsement. I will meet many more people and keep selling my chess boards. In a decade or two, a Chess/STEM institute will stand — a place where thousands of children can dream again and gain an education that makes them valuable to the world. And by then, today’s strong opinions will fade.”
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