Tunde Onakoya Reacts After His Visit to Tinubu Draws Heavy Criticism

Chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has responded to widespread criticism following his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos. Addressing concerns raised after photos from the meeting circulated online, Onakoya stressed that the visit was non-partisan and should not be seen as an endorsement of the current administration.

Onakoya, who made global headlines in April after setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon in New York’s Times Square, was heavily scrutinized on social media for meeting with Tinubu. Many Nigerians questioned the appropriateness of the visit, especially amid ongoing economic challenges affecting millions, including the underserved communities Onakoya advocates for.

In a statement shared via his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, the 29-year-old emphasized that being received by the president in recognition of his international achievement was not improper. “To be honoured and received by the President and the highest office in my own country for this reason is not a crime,” he said. “It is not even a national honour, by the way.”

He reiterated his lack of political ambitions, stating that his focus remains on education and empowerment for slum 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,” Onakoya wrote.

In response to both criticism and support, he acknowledged the diverse reactions. “The anger, the hate, the love, the applause, the criticism—all of it is valid and I embrace it,” he said, adding that his track record should earn him the benefit of the doubt.

The visit, according to Onakoya, was primarily to present his vision of building the world’s largest Chess/STEM institute—an idea he believes can help reshape cognitive development in children across Africa. “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.

He firmly rejected claims that his initiative only thrives due to governmental failure. Citing a year-long partnership with the Lagos State government supporting children in underserved communities like Jakande and Isale Eko, he pointed to tangible outcomes, including a beneficiary recently completing furniture school.

Onakoya also addressed public perception of his motives. “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 stated.

The backlash did not go unnoticed by public figures. Popular skit maker and government critic, Mr. Macaroni, voiced support for Onakoya, calling for tolerance and appreciation of varied efforts to improve the country. He noted, however, that he personally has declined political invitations.

This is not the first time Onakoya has engaged with political figures. In 2024, he was appointed Sports Ambassador of Ogun State after a meeting with Governor Dapo Abiodun, following his record-breaking feat in New York.

During the Lagos visit, President Tinubu commended Onakoya’s work, stating, “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.” Onakoya presented Tinubu with a gold-plated Adire chessboard and his Guinness World Record certificate, describing the meeting as a humbling experience.