Tunde Onakoya, the renowned Lagos chess master who recently broke the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, is facing backlash on social media following his meeting with President Bola Tinubu. Many Nigerians on Twitter expressed disappointment, claiming that Onakoya who had become a symbol of youth empowerment and resistance, was aligning himself with a government they see as out of touch with the struggles of everyday citizens. The visit, which was widely covered in the media and included photo ops and praise from Tinubu, sparked a heated debate about integrity, recognition, and the cost of influence.
Critics argue that Onakoya’s decision to visit the president contradicts the grassroots image he cultivated through his “Chess in Slums” initiative, which gained global admiration. For them, sitting with a political leader accused of overseeing hardship undermines his credibility and moral stance. Some also feel he was used for political optics, especially considering the timing when many Nigerians are grappling with economic stress, inflation, and insecurity.
However, a section of supporters have defended Onakoya, saying he has every right to accept national recognition for his achievements, regardless of who’s in power. They argue that his work in uplifting underprivileged children deserves government commendation and that demonizing him for meeting with Tinubu is unfair. The online debate reflects deeper frustrations among young Nigerians torn between celebrating personal success and navigating a politically charged climate.
