A landmark moment in Nigerian literature and cinema is on the horizon. Lola Shoneyin's celebrated novel, 'The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives,' is officially being adapted into a major feature film, with a planned release in cinemas across Nigeria and internationally in December 2026.
From Page to Screen: The Production Details
The ambitious project is being spearheaded by Mo Abudu's EbonyLife Films, in a powerful collaboration with Silverbird Group, Genesis Group, and Nile Media Entertainment Group. This coalition brings together significant expertise in production, distribution, and audience reach, signalling a high-stakes commitment to the film's success.
While initially announced as a Netflix series in June 2020, the vision has evolved into a cinematic feature. Directing the adaptation is Daniel Oriahi, known for his skill in handling profound psychological narratives. The task of translating the novel's intricate internal dialogues to the screen falls to screenwriter Adze Ugah.
The film boasts one of the most impressive ensemble casts in recent Nollywood memory. The lineup includes Odunlade Adekola, Iyabo Ojo, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Ademoye, Omowunmi Dada, Shaffy Bello, Lateef Adedimeji, Kunle Remi, Bolaji Ogunmola, Bimbo Manuel, Tina Mba, Daniel Etim Effiong, Femi Branch, Rotimi Fakunle, Bukumi “Kiekie” Adeaga-Ilori, and Bisola Aiyeola.
Why This Story Remains a Cultural Touchstone
First published in 2010, Shoneyin's novel has enjoyed global acclaim, with translations and stage adaptations. At its heart, the story is a piercing exploration of power, fragile masculinity, and the survival strategies of women within a polygamous household in Ibadan.
The plot revolves around Baba Segi, a wealthy but illiterate man whose identity is rooted in his presumed fertility. His seemingly orderly home, managed by his first three wives, is disrupted by the arrival of Bolanle, a young, educated but childless fourth wife. Bolanle's quest for answers and her trust in modern medicine inadvertently begin to unravel a devastating secret that has sustained the household for years: none of the children are biologically Baba Segi's.
The ensuing drama is less about infidelity and more about the collapse of a constructed identity. Baba Segi's crisis stems from the realization that the very foundation of his manhood was a fiction.
A Major Cultural Moment for Nigerian Cinema
This adaptation is more than just another book-to-film project. It represents a deliberate move to showcase a complex, authentically Nigerian narrative on a grand scale for both local and international audiences. The story's themes of fertility, deception, and the performance of gender roles continue to resonate deeply, proving that these conversations predate social media and remain urgently relevant.
With a December 2026 release date, expectations are rightly high. The film promises to bring Shoneyin's unflinching story to life with the boldness and care it deserves, ensuring that these long-held secrets, once exposed to the light of the big screen, will refuse to be forgotten.
