Renowned Nigerian chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has announced that he is taking a break from Twitter (now X), citing the increasing negativity on the platform.
In a heartfelt post shared with his followers, Onakoya explained that the online space had become overwhelming for him.
He described himself as an empath and said the emotional weight of global issues and toxic conversations on the platform had taken a toll on him.
“This place has grown too heavy for me. As an empath, I feel too much darkness in the world pressing in. I’ll be stepping away for a while as I must guard my heart,” he wrote.
Onakoya encouraged anyone who needs to contact him to do so via email and revealed that he will continue sharing his thoughts and updates on Instagram.
Tunde Onakoya is widely celebrated for his work with Chess in Slums Africa, a nonprofit initiative that teaches chess to children in underserved communities as a way to improve critical thinking, literacy, and access to education.
His efforts have earned him global recognition, invitations to international platforms, and support from philanthropists around the world.
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Twitter has long been his primary tool for storytelling and advocacy. Through the platform, he has mobilised financial and educational resources for children, crowdfunded scholarships, and inspired a generation of young Africans to dream bigger.
Onakoya’s decision to step back highlights a growing trend of public figures and activists taking breaks from social media to protect their mental health.
The constant exposure to online debates, global tragedies, and negativity can be emotionally draining, particularly for those in advocacy roles.
Mental health experts have warned that online toxicity and doomscrolling can contribute to anxiety, fatigue, and burnout. By publicly announcing his decision, Onakoya may also be encouraging others to set boundaries and prioritise emotional well-being.
Following his announcement, many of Onakoya’s followers expressed understanding and offered words of encouragement. Several thanked him for his impact on society and assured him that they would continue to support his projects, even in his absence from Twitter.
While he did not specify how long the break would last, Onakoya’s move underscores the importance of balancing advocacy with self-care. As he continues his mission on other platforms, his followers will be watching to see how this pause shapes his next chapter of work and public engagement.
