Tunde Onakoya reveals why he turned down a huge sum of money, choosing integrity over wealth in a bold and inspiring decision

Popular Nigerian chess player and founder of Chess In Slums, Tunde Onakoya, has opened up about a difficult but pivotal decision he made to turn down a life-changing amount of money.

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Onakoya explained that while the offer was substantial, it did not align with his personal values and long-term vision.

The 30-year-old chess enthusiast shared that prioritising integrity over wealth is crucial to him, even if it means making tough decisions. He stated, “I recently turned down life-changing money. Not because it was exactly wrong, but it did not align with my values or the vision of who I’m becoming.”

Describing the choice as a struggle, Onakoya admitted that he wrestled with justifying accepting the offer, but ultimately, he felt liberated by choosing to stick to his principles.

“It was not an easy decision. I wrestled, and tried to justify saying yes, but in the end, integrity is the real wealth. I feel liberated by my decision. I can do anything now,” he wrote.

Onakoya also expressed gratitude to his mentor, @OgaBoxx, for providing guidance and wisdom through the process, helping him navigate the challenging situation with grace. His decision has earned admiration, highlighting the importance of staying true to one’s values in the face of temptation.

Tunde Onakoya’s stance serves as a reminder of the power of integrity and the importance of making choices that align with one’s principles, no matter the external pressures.