Iโve been thinking about that moment between Tunde Onakoya and Professor Wole Soyinka.
A few days ago, I wrote a piece on purpose and prioritization, inspired by Wole Soyinkaโs words:
โThere isnโt enough time in the world for chess.โ Many of you engaged deeply with that post, and Iโm grateful it resonated. But thereโs a second part of that conversation thatโs been on my mind.
Tunde asked if he could play one game of chess with Soyinka. Soyinka smiled, then gently declined. Instead, he said: โInvite me to an occasion where youโre playing someone else. Iโll come and watch.โ
At first, I thought maybe itโs still about time.
But letโs be real: Soyinka isnโt in that hustle stage of life anymore. Heโs not chasing deadlines, not worried about bills or building a brand.
If he wanted, he could make time for one game. In fact, the time heโd spend watching is the same as playing.
So again, I ask why did he say no?
Could it be:
1. A quiet fear of losing? Not because he isnโt brilliant, but because chess has become a sharpened tool in Tundeโs hands. Maybe the stakes felt too lopsided.
2. A silent transfer of honor? Choosing to watch Tunde rather than play against him could be Soyinkaโs way of saying, โThis is your time. This is your board now. Let me watch you rise.โ
3. Or maybe heโs just beyond the need to compete: Maybe Soyinka, having spent his youth in his purpose, has reached a point where presence is more important than performance.
What ever any of his reason could be, what I have learnt is Choosing Presence Over Performance, Soyinka choosing to watch instead of compete, portrays an act that is wise and powerful which is “Making space”.
So now ,we have the 3 Ps
Purpose.Prioritization. Presence.Being present for the next generation without competing with them. Choosing to celebrate, not overshadow.
Even in old age, Soyinka is still intentional about how he invests his presence. That, to me, is a masterclass in discernment. In letting go. In knowing when to watch and when to play.
Itโs not always about whether you can.
Itโs about whether you should.
Presence Over Performance!
ยฉ Ogunnika Abosede DrGenius (2025)
Early Childhood Educator AI Enthusiast Drama Coach Creative Writer Education Catalyst
