EbonyLife Films, the production arm of Nigerian media executive Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife Group, has announced a feature-film adaptation of Lola Shoneyin’s acclaimed novel The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, with a planned international cinema release in December 2026. This marks EbonyLife’s first theatrical film in five years and a significant return to big-screen storytelling.
The adaptation brings together four major African entertainment companies — EbonyLife Films, Genesis Group, Nile Media Entertainment Group, and Silverbird Group — in what is being positioned as one of the most ambitious cinema rollouts for an African feature.
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives originated as a bestselling novel by Nigerian writer Lola Shoneyin, first published in 2010. The story centres on Baba Segi, his four wives and seven children, exploring complex themes of power, patriarchy, secrecy and survival within a polygamous household. The novel has garnered international acclaim and was longlisted for literary prizes.
The film will be directed by Daniel Oriahi from a screenplay adapted by Adze Ugah, with Shoneyin among the producing team. Key production roles include Heidi Uys, Chris Odeh and Mimi Bartels. EbonyLife Group’s Mo Abudu, Genesis Group’s Nnaeto Orazulike, Nile Group’s Moses Babatope, and Silverbird Group’s Guy Murray Bruce serve as executive producers.
The ensemble cast unites leading Nollywood talent and celebrated performers across the continent. Headliners include Odunlade Adekola, Iyabo Ojo, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Ademoye and Omowunmi Dada, supported by 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 project is expected to open in cinemas across Nigeria and international territories, including the United Kingdom where EbonyLife Cinemas is scheduled to launch in mid-2026. The scale of the production and its ensemble cast reflect ambitions to elevate African storytelling on the global stage.
