Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has performed a ceremonial chess move to officially open the Royal Rapid Chess Classic 2026.
 
The tournament is part of activities marking his 10th Coronation Anniversary, with 126 players competing for honours and cash prizes.
 
​The Benin monarch made the symbolic opening move against eight-year-old player Emmanuella Omoragbon on Saturday morning at his palace in Benin City, winning the brief exhibition match after capturing her bishop.
 
Following the game, the traditional ruler pledged to sponsor the Primary 3 pupil’s education and welfare.
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Giving a brief historical background on the game of chess during the event, Oba Ewuare promised to add royal prizes for the winners.
 
Oba Ewuare said: “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.”
 
“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.”
 
Overall champions will receive royal souvenirs crafted from Benin bronze alongside their cash awards during the grand finale on November 21, 2026.
 
The monarch also presented a royal gift of N2 million to the participating chess players and visiting students of Edo College who accompanied the delegation to the palace, where Mrs Doris Omoragbon, mother of the sponsored pupil, received N250,000.