Ooni of Ife celebrates Tunde Onakoya at ‘The King’s Move’ chess event, rewarding students and teachers as part of a major youth empowerment initiative in Ile-Ife

Ooni honours Tunde Onakoya during a landmark inter-school chess competition dubbed “The King’s Move,” hosted on Monday at the Ile-Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife.

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The event brought together 14 secondary school students for a thrilling face-off with the celebrated chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa.

Organised in partnership with the Hopes Alive Initiative, led by Queen Temitope Morenike Ogunwusi, the chess contest marked a pivotal moment in youth development across the ancient Yoruba kingdom.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, praised Onakoya’s grassroots work, describing chess as a transformative force capable of inspiring critical thinking, resilience and leadership among children—especially those from underserved backgrounds.

“I commend Tunde Onakoya for wielding the power of chess to inspire greatness. This initiative fosters critical thinking, resilience and leadership in our youth,” the monarch declared, extending appreciation to Queen Temitope and her foundation for championing education through innovation.

Tunde Onakoya, who has become a global figure for his advocacy of chess as a tool for empowerment, was visibly touched by the royal welcome. He encouraged participating students to stay focused, reminding them that the game is a lifelong mental training ground.

To encourage excellence, the Ooni announced ₦1.6 million in cash rewards. A ₦500,000 pool was shared among all the student participants, while the top prize of ₦100,000 went to Toyosi Samuel of Eleve Academy.

The teachers accompanying the students were not left out, receiving a collective ₦1 million as recognition of their dedication and impact.

One teacher described the royal gesture as “a rekindling of hope for educators who continue to shape minds despite immense challenges.”

In a touching conclusion, the Ooni presented Onakoya with a specially crafted artwork, honouring his extraordinary contributions to youth upliftment through chess.

The symbolic tribute reinforced the growing respect for grassroots heroes driving change from classrooms and slums to palaces.