The Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, on Saturday inaugurated the Royal Rapid Chess Classic 2026 with a ceremonial first move, kicking off events for his 10th Coronation Anniversary.

The tournament, featuring 126 players from 10 states, formally opened at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City.

In a symbolic opening match, the monarch faced eight-year-old chess prodigy Emmanuella Omoragbon, a Primary 3 pupil. The brief exhibition ended with the Oba capturing her bishop.

Moved by the young player’s skill, the Oba declared that the child is now a child of the palace, promising to take over her education, welfare and chess development.

“This child is now a child of the palace. From now on, I want the palace to monitor the progress of the little girl: how she is doing with chess, her education and her welfare,” the Oba said.

“Even the food she eats, we want to know. The palace will now take care of her needs. 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 added.

The monarch also announced extra royal prizes for winners, including royal souvenirs crafted from Benin bronze to be presented at the grand finale on November 21, 2026.

At the ceremony, Oba Ewuare II gave a royal gift of N2 million to participating players and visiting students of Edo College, while Mrs. Doris Omoragbon, mother of the adopted pupil, received N250,000. Emmanuella’s mother, a national chess champion and senior player with the Edo State Sports Commission, expressed deep gratitude, saying she was overwhelmed by the royal gesture.

After the palace opening, the competition moved to the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub on Airport Road, Benin City, where 126 of the 130 registered players gathered.

Players came from Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun and host Edo State.

Tournament Coordinator and chess promoter Augustine Apemiye thanked the Oba for including chess in his anniversary programme. He disclosed that approval is being sought to establish the Oba Ewuare II Chess Club to train children in the palace and identify young talents.

According to organisers, winners will receive cash prizes across categories:

In the Open Category, the overall winner will receive N350,000, second place N250,000 and third place N150,000, while 4th to 10th positions will get N50,000 each. Best Edo indigene and best veteran will also receive N50,000 each.

In the Under-20 Category (Men and Women), prizes are N100,000, N80,000 and N50,000 for first, second and third places respectively.

Under-14 winners will get N30,000, N20,000 and N10,000, while Under-10 winners will receive N25,000, N15,000 and N10,000.

The Royal Rapid Chess Classic not only celebrates the monarch’s 10th anniversary but also highlights his commitment to youth empowerment and intellectual development.