The film adaptation of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, the 2010 novel by Nigerian writer Lola Shoneyin, is scheduled for release in cinemas in December 2026, producers have announced.
The film is being produced by EbonyLife Films, the film arm of Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife Group, in partnership with Genesis Group, Nile Media Entertainment Group, and Silverbird Group, marking EbonyLife Films’ first feature project in five years.
First published in 2010, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives centres on Baba Segi, a wealthy man living in a polygamous household with four wives and seven children. The story explores tensions within the family following the arrival of a younger, educated wife, whose presence disrupts the established order of the home.
The novel received wide critical recognition after its release. In 2011, it won the PEN Oakland Josephine Miles Literary Award and two prizes from the Association of Nigerian Authors: the Ken Saro-Wiwa Prose Prize and a second ANA Prose Prize. The book was also longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2011 and shortlisted for the NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2012.
The film is directed by Daniel Oriahi. The screenplay was adapted by Adze Ugah, with contributions from Lola Shoneyin and Heidi Uys. Producers include Heidi Uys, Chris Odeh, Mimi Bartels, and Shoneyin, while executive producers are Mo Abudu, Nnaeto Orazulike, Moses Babatope, and Guy Murray Bruce.
The cast features a large ensemble of Nigerian actors, led by Odunlade Adekola, Iyabo Ojo, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Ademoye, and Omowunmi Dada. Other cast members include Shaffy Bello, Bisola Aiyeola, Lateef Adedimeji, Kunle Remi, Bolaji Ogunmola, Bimbo Manuel, Tina Mba, Daniel Etim Effiong, Femi Branch, Rotimi Fakunle, Bukunmi Adeaga Ilori, and Constance Olatunde.
Speaking on the project, Mo Abudu said: “I am excited to return to the big screen after five years with the film adaptation of Lola Shoneyin’s world-acclaimed story. The strong partnerships with Genesis, Nile and Silverbird alongside our outstanding ensemble cast reflect the scale of this project. The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives will be released in cinemas globally this December.”
Nnaeto Orazulike, Managing Director of Genesis Group, described the project as “a defining moment for African cinema,” while Nile Group’s CEO said the film was “a story that deserves a worldwide cinema audience.” Guy Murray Bruce, President of Silverbird Group, added that the collaboration is an attempt to expand African stories on the global screen.
The film is expected to open in cinemas across Nigeria and selected international territories, including the United Kingdom, where EbonyLife Cinemas is scheduled to open in Q2 2026. Further details on production timelines and screening schedules have not yet been released.
