Eight-year-old chess player Emmanuela Iyobosa has been named a “child of the palace” by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, following her appearance at the Royal Rapid Chess Classic 2026 in Benin City.
The event drew competitors from several states and formed part of celebrations for the monarch’s 10th coronation anniversary.
Quick facts
- Emmanuela Iyobosa is eight years old and attends Primary 2 at Oman Christian Academy in Benin City.
- She featured in the Royal Rapid Chess Classic 2026.
- The tournament was staged as part of Oba Ewuare II’s 10th coronation anniversary programme.
- Her mother, Mrs Doris Omoragbon, is a national chess champion and a senior player with the Edo State Sports Commission.
- The Oba presented N250,000 to Omoragbon and promised royal rewards for the tournament winners.
Oba Ewuare II made the symbolic opening move against Emmanuela before instructing chiefs in the palace administrative department to collect her information from her mother, Mrs Doris Omoragbon.
The monarch said the palace would follow the youngster’s progress closely, including her chess development, schooling and general wellbeing.
“This child is now a child of the palace,” he said. “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.”
He asked Emmanuela’s parents to report any difficulties involving her directly to him, praising the standard shown by such a young player.
“For a child of eight to be playing chess at this level is wonderful,” the Oba said.
He described chess as an intellectual and tactical discipline, noting that some people in Edo mistakenly see it as the same as draughts commonly played in beer parlours.
“It is a game that makes you rack your brain,” he said. “It prepares one to be proactive. It helps in decision-making and good planning.”
Oba Ewuare II added that chess was particularly valuable for military leaders, policymakers and administrators because it improves concentration and the ability to anticipate situations.
He also pledged royal prizes for the competition’s successful players, while handing N250,000 to Emmanuela’s mother.
