Nigeria’s first chess variant, the 1851 Agidingbi Chess Game, is set to launch at a remarkable historical art exhibition at the Red Door Gallery in Lagos.

The game, designed by culture activist and historian, Oludamola Adebowale, takes players on a riveting adventure based on the historical events surrounding the history of Lagos in 1851.

The game’s name, “1851 Agidingbi,” is derived from the onomatopoeic sounds produced by the artillery guns fired by British forces during the 1851 invasion of Lagos.

The thunderous noise was heard as far away as Badagry and the mainland of Lagos, and this name was adopted as an official designation for a part of Lagos.

“History is not just a series of dates and facts; it’s a living, breathing story that shapes our world today. The 1851 Agidingbi Chess Game is my way of making history come alive, inspiring a love for learning and gaming, and sharing the incredible journey of Lagos with the world,” said Adebowale.

The 1851 Agidingbi chess game features a traditional checkerboard design and unique chess pieces named after Lagos royalties and chieftains, including Erelu-Kuti of Lagos as the Queen Mother, the Oba of Lagos as the King, Adamu Eyo as the rook, Omo Ogun Eko as the pawn, Eletu-Odibo as the bishop, and Abagbon as the knight.

Players can engage in this compelling chess variant on either side, representing the defenders of Lagos or the British invaders.

The exhibition will kick off with an opening ceremony on Saturday, October 28, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM and will continue to run daily until Wednesday, November 1, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The art exhibition promises a fully immersive experience, bringing Lagos’s rich history to life in a way that is both educational and entertaining.