Nigerian cinema is set to welcome a major literary adaptation as the highly anticipated film version of Lola Shoneyin's celebrated novel, "The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives," has been officially slated for a theatrical debut in December 2026. The announcement, made by the film's producers, confirms a long-awaited project that brings one of Nigeria's most talked-about contemporary stories to the big screen.
A Star-Studded Cast Brings the Polygamous Drama to Life
The production has assembled a formidable ensemble of Nollywood's finest talents to portray the complex characters from Shoneyin's 2010 novel. Leading the cast is Odunlade Adekola, who will step into the role of the patriarch, Baba Segi, a wealthy man content with his polygamous household.
He will be joined by a powerful lineup of actresses playing his wives, including Iyabo Ojo, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Ademoye, Omowunmi Dada, Shaffy Bello, Bisola Aiyeola, and Bolaji Ogunmola. The supporting cast features notable names such as Lateef Adedimeji, Kunle Remi, Bimbo Manuel, Tina Mba, Daniel Etim Effiong, Rotimi Fakunle, Bukunmi Adeaga, and Constance Olatunde.
From Award-Winning Novel to Major Motion Picture
The source material, first published in 2010, is a critically acclaimed work that explores the intricate dynamics, tensions, and secrets within a polygamous family in Nigeria. The plot is catalyzed when Baba Segi marries a younger, educated fourth wife, Bolanle, whose presence disrupts the established equilibrium and unearths long-buried truths.
The novel's literary excellence is well-documented, having secured several prestigious awards. Its accolades include the 2011 PEN Oakland Josephine Miles Literary Award. In Nigeria, it was doubly honored by the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), receiving both the Ken Saro-Wiwa Prose Prize and another ANA Prose Prize. Furthermore, it achieved international recognition, being longlisted for the 2011 Women's Prize for Fiction and shortlisted for the NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2012.
Production Details and Creative Team
The film is a significant collaborative venture, produced by EbonyLife Films in partnership with Genesis Group, Nile Group, and Silverbird Group. This coalition points to a large-scale production aimed at a wide release.
The screenplay has been crafted by a trio of writers: Adze Ugah, the original author Lola Shoneyin herself, and Heidi Uys. Shoneyin's direct involvement in the adaptation process is a strong indicator that the film will maintain the core themes and integrity of the beloved novel, though specific creative choices for the cinematic translation remain under wraps.
The producers have indicated plans for a release in cinemas across Nigeria as well as in select international markets. However, detailed distribution plans and specific screening schedules are yet to be unveiled to the public.
This adaptation marks a notable moment for Nigerian literature in film. While many Nigerian novels have captivated readers worldwide, only a select few have been transformed into full-scale cinematic productions with the backing and star power seen in this project. The December 2026 release date sets the stage for one of the most significant Nollywood events of that year.
