EbonyLife Films is preparing to return to the big screen with a major literary adaptation, announcing plans to bring Lola Shoneyin’s acclaimed 2010 novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, to cinemas. The project marks EbonyLife Films’ first feature film production in five years and is already being positioned as one of the most anticipated Nigerian releases in recent times, with a theatrical debut targeted for December 2026.
Widely regarded as one of the most celebrated contemporary African novels, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives has enjoyed international recognition for its bold storytelling and sharp social commentary. The story centres on Baba Segi, a wealthy, loud-mouthed patriarch living in Ibadan, his four wives, seven children, and a life-altering secret that slowly unravels within his polygamous household. As tensions rise and truths come to light, the narrative delves deeply into themes of power, patriarchy, female agency, survival, rivalry, and the quiet strength of women navigating restrictive social systems.
The film adaptation brings together four major African players across film production, media, and cinema exhibition. EbonyLife Group is producing the project in collaboration with Genesis Group, Nile Media Entertainment Group, and Silverbird Group. The partnership signals a large-scale production designed for both domestic and international audiences, reflecting the novel’s global appeal and enduring relevance.
Daniel Oriahi, known for his visually compelling and emotionally layered storytelling, is set to direct the film. The screenplay has been adapted by Adze Ugah, who reworks Shoneyin’s richly textured narrative for the screen while preserving the emotional depth and cultural specificity that made the novel resonate with readers worldwide. Production duties are being handled by Heidi Uys, Chris Odeh, Mimi Bartels, and Lola Shoneyin herself, ensuring the author remains closely involved in translating her work to film. Executive producers include Mo Abudu, Nnaeto Orazulike, Moses Babatope, and Guy Murray Bruce.
Behind the scenes, the production boasts a strong creative team. Temidayo Makanjuola serves as Head of Production Design, shaping the visual world of Baba Segi’s household and its surrounding community, while celebrated stylist Yolanda Okereke leads wardrobe, promising costumes that authentically reflect the characters, period, and cultural setting.
The film features an expansive ensemble cast drawn from some of the most recognisable names in Nollywood. Leading the cast are Odunlade Adekola as Baba Segi, alongside Iyabo Ojo, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Ademoye, and Omowunmi Dada as his wives. Supporting roles are filled by an equally impressive lineup including Shaffy Bello, Bisola Aiyeola, Lateef Adedimeji, Kunle Remi, Bolaji Ogunmola, Bimbo Manuel, Tina Mba, Daniel Effiong, Femi Branch, Rotimi Fakunle, Bukunmi Adeaga Ilori, and Constance Olatunde. The breadth of the cast reflects the story’s many layers and perspectives, as well as the filmmakers’ ambition to fully capture the complexity of Shoneyin’s world.
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is slated for release across Nigeria and key international territories, including the United Kingdom. The UK release aligns with EbonyLife Group’s continued expansion abroad, with EbonyLife Cinemas scheduled to open in the UK in the second quarter of this year. This international rollout underscores the company’s strategy of positioning African stories on the global stage while maintaining strong local roots.
EbonyLife Films has built a reputation for producing commercially successful and culturally impactful projects, with a catalogue that includes Fifty, The Wedding Party, Chief Daddy, Your Excellency, Baby Farm, Blood Sisters, Òlòtūré, Elesin Oba, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, and Dust to Dreams. The adaptation of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives continues this legacy, combining literary prestige with mainstream cinematic ambition.
As anticipation builds, the film is expected to spark renewed conversations around gender, tradition, and power dynamics in African societies, while delivering a compelling, character-driven story to audiences worldwide.
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