A celebrated Nigerian literary classic is making a historic leap from page to screen. EbonyLife Films, led by media mogul Mo Abudu, is producing the first feature film adaptation of Lola Shoneyin’s acclaimed novel The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, with a global cinema release scheduled for December 2026, marking one of the year’s most anticipated Nollywood premieres.
Published in 2010, Shoneyin’s novel has become a cherished work of modern African literature due to its layered storytelling, biting social commentary, and unforgettable characters. The adaptation not only brings a beloved story to the big screen but also represents a bold cultural moment for Nigerian cinema and international audiences alike.
A Story of Secrets, Power, and Survival
At its core, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives centers on Baba Segi, a prosperous but uneducated patriarch in a polygamous household. His decision to marry Bolanle, a young and educated woman, sets off a ripple of revelations that upend the fragile balance within the family.
While outwardly Baba Segi’s home appears stable, beneath the surface lie jealousies, unspoken ambitions, strategic survival, and deeply guarded secrets. Themes of gender politics, power, fertility, and agency fuel the narrative, making the story rich with emotional complexity, a quality that has helped the novel remain relevant and widely read for over a decade.
From Bestseller to Blockbuster: The Film’s Creative Vision
What began as a novel and later a stage play is now evolving into an ambitious film project. EbonyLife Films is partnering with Genesis Group, Nile Media Entertainment Group, and Silverbird Group to ensure broad distribution and a strong cinematic presence in Nigeria and beyond. The move signals a unified effort by leading Nollywood stakeholders to bring African stories to global screens.
Mo Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife Group, confirmed the news on social media, expressing excitement about returning to cinemas after several years, and highlighting the scale of the collaboration. Accompanying the announcement were glimpses of the project on Instagram, which stirred significant buzz among fans of the novel and Nollywood alike.
Lola Shoneyin herself is involved as a producer, along with a strong creative team including screenplay writer Adze Ugah and director Daniel Oriahi. Together, they are tasked with translating the novel’s psychologically intricate and character-driven narrative into visual form, a challenge that requires both sensitivity and cinematic precision.
A Bold Ensemble Cast
What makes this adaptation especially noteworthy is its cast of Nollywood’s finest talents. Led by some of the industry’s most acclaimed actors, the lineup features:
Odunlade Adekola, Iyabo Ojo, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Ademoye, Omowunmi Dada, Shaffy Bello, Bisola Aiyeola, Lateef Adedimeji, Kunle Remi, Bolaji Ogunmola, Bimbo Manuel, Tina Mba, Daniel Etim Effiong, Femi Branch, Rotimi Fakunle, Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, Constance Olatunde.
This ensemble blends veteran strength with fresh energy, a combination that mirrors the novel’s layered narrative, where multiple perspectives converge to reveal deeper truths about family, gender roles, and societal expectation.
Creative Team and Production Vision
The project is directed by Daniel Oriahi, whose work on character-driven stories positions him well for adapting Shoneyin’s layered narrative for the screen. The screenplay has been adapted by Adze Ugah, working closely with Shoneyin to retain the novel’s original voice and thematic depth. Producers include Heidi Uys, Chris Odeh, Mimi Bartels, and Shoneyin herself, while Mo Abudu, Nnaeto Orazulike, Moses Babatope, and Guy Murray Bruce serve as executive producers.
Working with partners Genesis Group, Nile Media Entertainment, and Silverbird Group, the production aims for an expansive release across Africa and international territories, including planned screenings in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and beyond.
A Cinematic Celebration of African Storytelling
This film represents more than an adaptation, it’s part of a larger movement elevating African narratives on global screens. The blend of story complexity, cultural insight, and Nollywood’s evolving production quality positions The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives as one of the most anticipated African cinema events of 2026.
For local audiences, especially fans of the novel, the film offers a chance to see beloved characters and rich storytelling brought to life. For international viewers, it showcases the depth and creativity of Nigerian cinema in a way that speaks universally about family, ambition, and power.
What to Expect in December
With its December 2026 release window, the film is set to open during a high-visibility cinematic season, giving it a stage alongside global holiday releases. Given its robust ensemble and layered source material, many industry watchers expect it to spark conversations around adaptation quality, cultural representation, and Nollywood’s international reach.
Have you read the novel? Are you excited to see it brought to life on the big screen? Let us know in the comments and share who you think should star in the film!