Film Adaptation of 'The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives' Set to Premiere in December 2026

A film adaptation of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, a novel written by Nigerian author Lola Shoneyin, is set to hit theaters in December 2026, according to a statement from the film's production team.

Originally published in 2010, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives narrates the experiences of Baba Segi, a prosperous individual living with multiple wives in a polygamous arrangement.

The narrative delves into the conflicts that arise within the household after Baba Segi takes a younger, educated bride, whose entry disrupts the established dynamics of the family.

Upon its release, the novel garnered significant acclaim and received various literary accolades.

In 2011, it was honored with the PEN Oakland Josephine Miles Literary Award and won two awards from the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA): the Ken Saro-Wiwa Prose Prize and another ANA Prose Prize.

Additionally, the work was longlisted for the 2011 Women’s Prize for Fiction and was shortlisted for the NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2012.

The screenplay for the film has been collaboratively crafted by Adze Ugah, Lola Shoneyin, and Heidi Uys. While Shoneyin’s participation indicates a connection between the original story and its cinematic rendition, specific details regarding how the narrative will transition to film remain unshared.

The cast announced for the film includes notable names such as 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, Rotimi Fakunle, Bukunmi Adeaga, and Constance Olatunde.

Although a number of Nigerian novels have captured international readers, few have been transformed into major cinematic projects.

The production is under the aegis of EbonyLife Films in partnership with Genesis Group, Nile Group, and Silverbird Group. The producers have indicated that the film will be available in theaters across Nigeria and in select international markets, although specifics regarding its distribution and screening times have yet to be released.