In a heartfelt post on X, Onakoya revealed that his decision wasn’t because the offer was entirely wrong but because it didn’t align with his values or long-term vision.

The 30-year-old chess champion emphasized that integrity holds greater value than wealth, despite the difficulty of rejecting such an opportunity.

“I recently turned down life-changing money. Not because it was exactly wrong, but it did not align with my values or the vision of who I’m becoming. It was not an easy decision. I wrestled with it and tried to justify saying yes, but in the end, integrity is the real wealth. I feel liberated by my decision. I can do anything now.”

Onakoya also expressed gratitude to @OgaBoxx for offering guidance during this challenging time.

His story serves as a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about financial gains but also about staying true to one's principles. 🚀♟️