Daniel Oriahi’s The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives has been selected for the Centrepiece programme at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it will have its world premiere.
The selection comes alongside the release of the film’s first trailer, which was unveiled following the announcement.
Based on Lola Shoneyin’s novel of the same name, the film centres on Baba Segi, played by Odunlade Adekola, a wealthy but uneducated man with four wives whose fragile domestic order is disrupted by the arrival of his newest wife, Bolanle, played by Omawunmi Dada.
A university graduate, Bolanle’s presence gradually exposes long-buried secrets and tensions within the household, bringing the dynamics between Baba Segi and his wives to a breaking point.
The film explores themes of polygamy, jealousy, deception, power, and the complexities of relationships within a shared marriage.
Also making its world premiere at the festival is Future Tense, directed by Jenna Cato Bass, a South Africa-Australia co-production that further reflects the Centrepiece programme’s African representation this year.
TIFF unveiled the official selections for its 2026 Centrepiece programme, with this year’s slate featuring 54 titles from filmmakers representing 50 countries. The programme also includes a record eight animated features, marking a new high for the section.
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives will premiere in Nigerian cinemas on December 4, following its world premiere at TIFF.
The 51st edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, will run from September 10 to 20, 2026.
