EbonyLife Studios is set to produce a feature film adaptation of Lola Shoneyin’s acclaimed novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, with production scheduled for 2026.
The film marks EbonyLife’s first major project in five years, following Biyi Bandele’s Elesin Oba, and is slated for a theatrical release in December 2026.
Originally published in 2010, Shoneyin’s novel uses humour and satire to examine the household of Baba Segi, a wealthy polygamist, and his four wives, as a long-hidden secret threatens the balance of their family. The story explores themes of patriarchy, polygamy, secrecy and power within contemporary Nigerian society.
The adaptation brings together EbonyLife Studios, Genesis Group, Nile Media Entertainment Group and Silverbird Group. Daniel Oriahi (Sylvia, The Weekend) will direct from a screenplay adapted by Nigerian filmmaker Adze Ugah.
Producers on the project include Heidi Uys, Chris Odeh, Mimi Bartels and Shoneyin, while executive producers are Mo Abudu, Nnaeto Orazulike, Moses Babatope and Guy Murray-Bruce. Yolanda Okereke serves as costume designer.
The film features an ensemble cast led by Odunlade Adekola, Iyabo Ojo, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Ademoye and Omowunmi Dada. Other cast members include Shaffy Bello, Bisola Aiyeola, Lateef Adedimeji, Kunle Remi, Bolaji Ogunmola, Bimbo Manuel, Tina Mba, Daniel Etim Effiong, Femi Branch, Rotimi Fakunle, Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori and Constance Olatunde.
The adaptation was initially announced in 2020 as a Netflix original series but stalled after the streamer scaled back regional investments. According to Deadline, Mo Abudu has confirmed the project has been reworked as a theatrical feature, with plans for local and international releases, including the UK.
