The long-awaited film adaptation of “The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives,” a novel written by Lola Shoneyin and produced by EbonyLife Films, is set to hit the cinemas in December 2026.
Previously announced as a Netflix original series in 2020, this new development was announced in a statement by Ebonylife Group’s CEO, Mo Abudu, via Instagram on Friday, January 17, 2025.
She wrote, “BIG NEWS! The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives hits the big screen in December 2026. This is the first-ever feature film adaptation of Lola Shoneyin’s acclaimed masterpiece, @lolashoneyin.
“In an unprecedented partnership, EbonyLife Group @ebonylifestudios is teaming up with Genesis Group @genesiscinemas, Nile Group @the.nilegroup, and SilverBird Group @silverbirdgroupng to bring this powerhouse story to the world stage ”.
Produced in partnership with Nile Media Entertainment, Genesis Group, and Silverbird Group, this is the first-ever feature film adaptation of Lola Shoneyin’s acclaimed masterpiece.
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives tells the story of Baba Segi, a wealthy man living in a polygamous household with multiple wives.
The novel focuses on the tensions that arise within the family after Baba Segi marries a younger, educated woman whose arrival unsettles the existing structure of the home.
The cast, featuring some of the notable names in Nollywood, includes 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.
Ebonylife Films is known for producing blockbuster movies like Your Excellency, The Wedding Party, Chief Daddy, Oloture, etc
Reactions trail cast for adaptation
Nigerians have reacted to the news of the film adaptation, especially regarding the cast, with mixed feelings.
In the secret lives of Baba Segi’s wives, Kehinde Bankole will play “Bolanle” well.
She has the calm demeanor.— Itie (@The_Itie) January 17, 2026
“The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives” is being adapted into a movie?
I’m sat!!
— Nanya (@Vera_Frances_) January 17, 2026
If that’ll be the cast of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, then I’m worried about what will become of that wonderful story on screen, with all due respect to their qualities.
Movie adaptations are difficult enough but having actors who can deliver will go a long way in…
— Rilwan Balogun (@Real1_balogun) January 17, 2026
I’m happy the book girlies and boys are crashing out over the casting of The Secret Live of Baba Segi’s Wives.
— Hajia Oblee (@__kayah_) January 17, 2026
Book adaptations hardly ever do justice to the books, and being a reader, it often breaks my heart. I’ll never watch any adaptation of books like “Things Fall Apart”, “Half of a Yellow Sun”, or “The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives”.
Some books should be left alone.
— Nsikanabasi (@TheNsikanEssien) January 17, 2026
Can they re-cast roles for this The secret lives of Baba Segi’s wives abeg🥹
— Arike Peperenpe❤️ Sugar Sugar💕 (@yettydlaw_) January 17, 2026
I just have a feeling that The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s wives movie adaptation might be a miss, because why the fuck is Odunlade playing Baba Segi??? He does not fit the Baba Segi that was described in the book.
— the_classical_girl (@_oyin_dam_ola) January 16, 2026
Please don’t ruin ‘the secret lives of Baba Segi’s wives’ with horrible casting.
Please please please 😭
— Sunshine Mo 🌸 (@debby_mo_) January 16, 2026