Nigerian chess maestro and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has addressed the wave of criticism trailing his recent visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the meeting was not politically motivated but centered on his commitment to youth development.
Onakoya, who made global headlines after setting a Guinness World Record and receiving recognition from the City of New York, shared his views in a lengthy statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday. He clarified that his audience with the President was a continuation of his advocacy and not a political alignment.
“To be honoured by the President of my country for a global achievement is not a political statement or a crime,” Onakoya wrote. “This wasn’t even a national honour. It was simply recognition for the work we’ve been doing.”
Addressing comparisons made between him and individuals associated with controversial foreign governments, Onakoya said such parallels were misplaced.
“I have turned down many awards in the past. Comparing me to people who have received honours from countries known for war crimes is laughable,” he stated.
The chess advocate emphasized that he remains apolitical due to the delicate nature of his work.
“I am not involved in partisan politics. If that ever changes, I will resign as CEO of Chess in Slums Africa. The sensitivity of the lives we work with requires neutrality,” he asserted.
Onakoya rejected the notion that his initiative only thrives due to governmental failures, insisting that Chess in Slums is a strategic intervention aimed at cognitive development and education.
“The work we do is not charity,” he explained. “We’re using chess as a tool to stimulate thinking, promote education, and give forgotten children a second chance. This is about restoring dignity, not handouts.”
He added that while public reaction—positive or negative—is welcome, it does not influence his mission.
“I embrace the love and the criticism,” he wrote. “But I live for the audience of one. In ten or twenty years, when the Chess/STEM institute stands tall, the strong opinions of today will no longer matter.”
Despite public speculation, Onakoya noted that his efforts remain self-sustained, revealing that his organization has not received any international grants.
“We’ve never applied for international grants in the past seven years. We rely on partnerships and community support,” he said. “We’re also collaborating with the Lagos State Government to rehabilitate children from areas like Jakande and Isale Eko.”
Onakoya reiterated that visiting national leaders does not equal endorsement and urged the public not to confuse public image with personal integrity.
“My reputation is not my character. Social media perception can’t tell my whole story,” he said. “This journey began ten years ago with a vision to give children hope. That mission remains unchanged.”
He concluded by reaffirming his long-term commitment to building an institution that will nurture thousands of children into becoming valuable contributors to society.
“If my work gives me access to certain rooms, I’ll use that access to advocate for the children. It’s about them—not me, not politics,” he declared.
