By Chris Onuoha
His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Michael Odunayo Ajayi, JP, FiADRN, FiCMN, FIIM(UK), Arowotawaya II, the Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa, Osun State, has warmly welcomed the Guinness World Record honour bestowed on Abidemi Praise Omopariola, a proud daughter of Erinmo land, for the “Longest Marathon Drawing Portraits.”
A UK-based visual artist from Erinmo-Ijesa, Omopariola, founder of Biddyvegas Art World, shattered the previous record held by India’s Hariom Kumar Singh during a continuous portrait-drawing marathon in Sunderland, United Kingdom. Her global feat has drawn widespread acclaim.
Receiving the news with fatherly pride, Oba Elerinmo stated, “Today, one of our own daughters from Erinmo land has been officially declared a Guinness World Record holder. This remarkable achievement by Omopariola, a UK-based Erinmo indigene, is a powerful reminder that excellence knows no borders.
“We celebrate not just a personal milestone, but a collective victory for Erinmo, a testament that our sons and daughters continue to make us proud on the global stage.”
The monarch added: “Your success has etched Erinmo’s name in gold on the world map.”
Omopariola’s passion for the arts began in childhood, evolving into expertise in drawing, sewing, and acting. Before her record attempt, she shared: “I challenged myself to dive back into my passion after nearly four years away due to relocation from Nigeria.”
She trained rigorously for over five months, rebuilding her skills through consistent practice.”This record brings me back on track and reminds us all that dreams are achievable with determination,” she affirmed.