The novel tells the story of the titular Baba Segi, his four wives and seven children, and a secret that unravels, challenging everything the household believes about power, masculinity and womanhood. It dives deep into themes of polygamy, rivalry, sexuality, mental health and the lived experiences of African women
Mo Abudu (in the middle) flanked by her partners
By Nehru Odeh
THE highly anticipated film adaptation of Lola Shoneyin’s novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, is set to hit the big screen in December.
Shoneyin made this known via a Facebook post. She wrote:
“Chuffed and delighted to be working with @ebonylifestudios, my sis @moabudu, @heidiwena and director @danieloriahi on the screen adaptation of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives. The cast has left me breathless. I am so excited!! Let the magic begin.”
Lola Shoneyin
The novel tells the story of the titular Baba Segi, his four wives and seven children, and a secret that unravels, challenging everything the household believes about power, masculinity and womanhood. It dives deep into themes of polygamy, rivalry, sexuality, mental health and the lived experiences of African women.
Produced by Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife Group, in partnership with Genesis Group, Nile Media Entertainment Group and Silverbird Group, the project will unite four major African film, media and exhibition companies.
Daniel Oriahi is set to direct the project from a script adapted by Adze Ugah. Producers are Heidi Uys, Chris Odeh, Mimi Bartels and Shoneyin. Abudu, Nnaeto Orazulike, Moses Babatope and Guy Murray-Bruce are executive producers. Temidayo Makanjuola serves as Head of Production Design, while Yolanda Okereke leads wardrobe.
The project boasts a star-studded ensemble led by Odunlade Adekola, who plays Baba Segi in the film, alongside Iyabo Ojo, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Ademoye and Omowunmi Dada.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, featuring 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 cast
“I am excited to return to the big screen after five years with the film adaptation of Lola Shoneyin’s world-acclaimed story,” Abudu said. “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.”
Genesis Group Managing Director, Nnaeto Orazulike, added: “This film represents a defining moment for African cinema. Bringing such a powerful literary work to the big screen at this scale speaks to both the growth of the industry and its global future.”
The Nile Group CEO, Moses Babatope, said: “This is the kind of story that deserves a worldwide cinema audience. The scale and collaboration behind this project are unprecedented, and audiences across continents can expect something truly special this Christmas.”
Silverbird Group President, Guy Murray-Bruce, said: “We are proud to be part of a project that elevates African storytelling and delivers a globally celebrated story to audiences both at home and internationally.”
- https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2026/01/17/the-secret-lives-of-baba-segis-wives-to-hit-the-big-screen/