The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has pledged royal support for eight-year-old chess player Emmanuela Iyobosa Omoragbon, declaring her a child of the palace and directing officials to monitor her education, welfare and progress in the game.
The monarch made the announcement during the opening of the Royal Rapid Chess Classic 2026 at the Benin Palace. He performed the ceremonial first move alongside the young player at the event organised as part of activities marking the 10th anniversary of his coronation.
Oba Ewuare II instructed palace chiefs in the administrative arm to obtain the child’s details from her mother, Mrs Doris Omoragbon, a national chess champion and senior player with the Edo State Sports Commission.
The monarch said the palace would follow Emmanuela’s development in chess, education and general welfare, adding that her parents should inform him of any challenges requiring royal intervention.
Describing chess as a game that demands intellectual discipline, strategic thinking and concentration, the Oba said it was often misunderstood as similar to draughts. He explained that chess develops analytical skills, strengthens decision-making and encourages players to anticipate situations before acting.
According to the monarch, these qualities make the game particularly relevant to military leaders, policymakers and administrators, whose responsibilities require planning and sound judgment.
The gesture places renewed attention on the importance of identifying and supporting young sporting talents. Emmanuela, who plays chess with the Edo State Sports Commission, is a Primary Two pupil at Oman Christian Academy in Benin City.
Her mother expressed gratitude for the monarch’s intervention, saying she was overwhelmed by the announcement and would share the news with her husband and the rest of the family.
The report also stated that the monarch presented a royal gift of ₦250,000 to Mrs Omoragbon. Chess players and students from Edo College who visited the palace reportedly received a combined royal gift of ₦2 million. The Oba further promised a personal royal gift for Emmanuela.
The monarch also announced additional royal prizes for winners of the competition, who are expected to receive royal souvenirs at the grand finale scheduled for November 21, 2026.à
Following the palace ceremony, the tournament continued at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub on Airport Road in Benin City. Organisers reported that 126 of the 130 registered players attended, representing 10 states.
Participating states included Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun and host state Edo, alongside other participating states.
In the open category, the winner stands to receive ₦350,000, while the second- and third-place finishers will receive ₦250,000 and ₦150,000, respectively. Players finishing fourth to tenth will each receive ₦50,000. Additional ₦50,000 prizes have been allocated to the best Edo indigene and the best veteran player.
The under-20 category offers ₦100,000 for first place, ₦80,000 for second and ₦50,000 for third, in both the male and female divisions. In the under-14 category, the top three prizes are ₦30,000, ₦20,000 and ₦10,000, respectively. The under-10 category offers ₦25,000, ₦15,000 and ₦10,000.
Chess coordinator Augustine Apemiye thanked the Oba for including the game in the coronation anniversary programme. He disclosed that approval was being sought to establish the Oba Ewuare II Chess Club, which would provide children in the palace with opportunities to learn chess. He also offered to bring experienced chess champions to train them.
The proposed club could help extend access to chess training among young people in Benin City, although its establishment remains subject to the monarch’s approval.
Oba Ewuare II’s pledge to support Emmanuela highlights the potential role of traditional institutions in encouraging education, intellectual development and youth participation in sport. The tournament also provides a platform for players from different states to compete and develop their skills.
For Emmanuela, the royal commitment represents an opportunity to pursue chess alongside her education, with the palace promising to monitor her progress and welfare.
Oba Ewuare II adopts eight-year-old chess player Emmanuela Omoragbon as a child of the palace, pledging support for her education, welfare and chess development during the Royal Rapid Chess Classic 2026.