Some eight years after it ceased full operations, celebrity hangout, The Coliseum at Salvation Road, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos has been leased out.
Nigeria’s only unelected Guv’nor and showbiz impresario, Mr Ken Calebs Olumese, opened the fun place in 1999 after operating from a rented apartment previously.
During its glory days, The Coliseum hosted many music awards and had the popular Grand House Reception (GHR), which featured eminent Nigerians and foreigners. They include the late President Jerry Rawlings of Ghana, ex Vice President Atiku Abubakar, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu and the late Chief MKO Abiola.
Others were ex-Abia Governor and serving senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, ex-Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, former Ogun Governor, Gbenga Daniel, the immediate past Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola and ex-Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Though it stopped operating fully in 2014, The Coliseum still hosted events, including the GHR featuring Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in January 2019.
Earlier in 2018, there were plans for an upscale hangout dubbed The Premium Lounge billed to operate from the ground floor of The Coliseum in partnership with a major beer brand.
Though the identity of the person who leased the edifice has not been ascertained, expectations are that it would still be for entertainment purposes.
