For many years, Mr. Dasaolu Olurotimi has been one of the steady names in Nigerian chess organization. Through Friends of Chess, and later National Friends of Chess, he built more than a tournament brand. He created a platform that gave players in different parts of Nigeria the chance to compete, travel, and stay connected to the game.
At a time when many events were tied to one location, Dashe was one of the early organizers in Nigeria who moved tournaments from one city to another. He helped give the event a wider identity and brought chess closer to players across different geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
I had the opportunity to play in some of those events in Lagos, Asaba in Delta State, and Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory. I won the Abuja section, and that remains one of my personal memories from the National Friends of Chess journey. Beyond personal results, what stands out is the consistency behind the Friends of Chess Tournament and the role it played in Nigerian chess over the years.
Now, with NFOC 2026 titled “An End of an Era,” Dashe has made it clear that he is retiring from being the organizer. That announcement marks a real turning point. National Friends of Chess has been a known part of the Nigerian chess environment for years, and it is difficult to mention long-running independent chess events in Nigeria without mentioning the work he has done.
Organizing chess events over many years is not easy. Doing it across different locations, keeping the vision alive, and building something players recognize is even harder. That is why this moment truly feels like the end of an era.
Dasaolu Olurotimi’s contribution to Nigerian chess deserves respect. His work will be remembered for the his contributions in many ways, including tournaments he organized, and also for the example he set in taking chess to players across different parts of Nigeria.
