We want to know even what she eats” — Oba of Benin promises to care for 8-year-old chess star

“We want to know even what she eats” — Oba of Benin promises to care for 8-year-old chess star

Eight-year-old Emmanuela Iyobosa’s presence among the chess players at the Royal Rapid Chess Classic 2026 has deeply moved Oba Ewuare II of Benin.

Players from various states gathered in Benin City for the tournament, held as part of activities marking the 10th anniversary of Oba Ewuare II’s coronation.

The monarch played a ceremonial first move with the young prodigy and later declared her a child of the palace.

Oba Ewuare II also directed palace chiefs in the administrative arm to obtain her details from her mother, Doris Omoragbon, a national chess champion and senior player with the Edo State Sports Commission.

“This child is now a child of the palace. From now on, I want the palace to monitor the little girl’s progress: how she is doing with chess, her education, and her welfare. We want to know even what she eats. The palace will now take care of her needs,” the monarch said.

“If there are any challenges concerning her, the parents must bring them to my notice. For a child of eight to be playing chess at this level is wonderful.”

He described chess as a strategic game suited to the intelligentsia, noting that many people wrongly equate it with the draughts commonly played in beer parlours.

The Oba added that chess was traditionally meant for the military hierarchy, policymakers, and administrators, as it “sharpens your focus and high sense of anticipation.”

He promised royal prizes for the competition winners and gifted N250,000 to Emmanuela’s mother as a royal present.

Emmanuela is a Primary 2 pupil at Oman Christian Academy, Benin City.

Source: Osagie Otabor, Benin