I’ve 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 Soyinka’s words:
“There isn’t enough time in the world for chess.” Many of you engaged deeply with that post, and I’m grateful it resonated. But there’s a second part of that conversation that’s been on my mind.
Tunde asked if he could play one game of chess with Soyinka. Soyinka smiled, then gently declined. Instead, he said: “Invite me to an occasion where you’re playing someone else. I’ll come and watch.”
At first, I thought maybe it’s still about time.
But let’s be real: Soyinka isn’t in that hustle stage of life anymore. He’s 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 he’d 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 isn’t brilliant, but because chess has become a sharpened tool in Tunde’s hands. Maybe the stakes felt too lopsided.
2. A silent transfer of honor? Choosing to watch Tunde rather than play against him could be Soyinka’s way of saying, “This is your time. This is your board now. Let me watch you rise.”
3. Or maybe he’s 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.
It’s not always about whether you can.
It’s about whether you should.
Presence Over Performance!
© Ogunnika Abosede DrGenius (2025)
Early Childhood Educator AI Enthusiast Drama Coach Creative Writer Education Catalyst