EXCLUSIVE: EbonyLife Films, the film strand of Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife Group, is set to make a feature adaptation of Lola Shoneyin’s internationally acclaimed 2010 novel The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives. The film, which is eyeing a theatrical release in December, is EbonyLife Films’ first film project in five years. 

Regarded as one of the most celebrated literary properties to emerge from Africa, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives follows the story of titular Baba Segi, his four wives and seven children and a secret as it unravels. The story explores power, patriarchy, secrets and survival. 

The project will unite four major African film, media and exhibition companies with EbonyLife Group producing in partnership with Genesis Group, Nile Media Entertainment Group and Silverbird Group.

Daniel Oriahi is set to direct the project from a script adapted by Adze Ugah. Producers are Heidi Uys, Chris Odeh, Mimi Bartels and Shoneyin. Abudu, Nnaeto Orazulike, Moses Babatope and Guy Murray Bruce are exec producers. Temidayo Makanjuola serves as Head of Production Design while Yolanda Okereke leads wardrobe. 

The film boasts a huge ensemble cast led by Odunlade Adekola, Iyabo Ojo, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Ademoye and Omowunmi Dada. Additional stars include 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 Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is eyeing a December 2026 release across Nigeria and international territories, including the UK where EbonyLife Cinemas is scheduled to open in Q2 this year. 

EbonyLife Films is behind projects such as Fifty, The Wedding Party, Chief Daddy, Your Excellency, Baby Farm, Blood Sisters, Òlòtūré, Elesin Oba, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel and Dust to Dreams. 

“I am excited to return to the big screen after five years with the film adaptation of Lola Shoneyin’s world-acclaimed story,” said Abudu. “The strong partnerships with Genesis, Nile and Silverbird alongside our outstanding ensemble cast, reflect the scale of this project. The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives will be released in cinemas globally this December.” 

Genesis Group Managing Director Orazulike added: “This film represents a defining moment for African cinema. Bringing such a powerful literary work to the big screen at this scale speaks to both the growth of the industry and its global future. 

Nile Group CEO added: “This is the kind of story that deserves a worldwide cinema audience. The scale and collaboration behind this project is unprecedented and audiences across continents can expect something truly special this Christmas.” 

Silverbird Group President Murray Bruce said: “We are proud to be a part of a project that elevates African storytelling and delivers a globally celebrated story to audiences both at home and internationally.”