The Story⚡
EbonyLife Films, led by Mo Abudu, is bringing Lola Shoneyin’s internationally celebrated 2010 novel The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives to the big screen in December 2026, marking the company’s first feature film in five years.
Tell Me More
Lola Shoneyin’s 2010 novel The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is set to be adapted into a feature film by EbonyLife Films, the film arm of Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife Group. The project marks EbonyLife Films’ return to cinema production after a five-year break, with a theatrical release planned for December 2026.
The story follows Baba Segi, a wealthy polygamist, his four wives, and their children, as long-buried truths begin to surface. Through its intimate domestic setting, the novel explores power, patriarchy, secrecy, and the subtle strategies women employ to navigate rigid systems.
The film is being produced by EbonyLife Group in partnership with Genesis Group, Nile Media Entertainment Group, and Silverbird Group, bringing together major players in African film production, distribution, and exhibition. Daniel Oriahi will direct, working from a screenplay adapted by Adze Ugah.
Producers on the project include Heidi Uys, Chris Odeh, Mimi Bartels, and Lola Shoneyin herself. Executive producers are Mo Abudu, Nnaeto Orazulike, Moses Babatope, and Guy Murray Bruce. Temidayo Makanjuola serves as Head of Production Design, with Yolanda Okereke leading wardrobe.
The film features a large ensemble cast led by Odunlade Adekola, Iyabo Ojo, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Ademoye, and Omowunmi Dada. They are joined 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 Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is scheduled for release across Nigeria and international territories, including the UK, where EbonyLife Cinemas is expected to open in the second quarter of the year.
EbonyLife Films’ previous projects include Fifty, The Wedding Party, Chief Daddy, Your Excellency, Blood Sisters, Òlòtüré, Elesin Oba, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, and Dust to Dreams.
Speaking on the project, Mo Abudu described the adaptation as a meaningful return to the big screen, highlighting the strength of the partnerships and the scale of the cast. Representatives from Genesis Group, Nile Group, and Silverbird Group also emphasised the importance of bringing a celebrated African literary work to cinemas worldwide.
From Netflix to the Big Screens
In 2020, Netflix announced a multi-title creative partnership with EbonyLife, which included plans to develop The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives as a drama series for the streaming platform. However, Baba Segi’s adaptation did not advance to production on Netflix. In late 2024, Netflix informed Nigerian producers that it would scale back on commissioning and funding new original productions from the country.
The company shifted its approach toward licensing completed films rather than directly developing and financing originals on the previous scale. This change affected multiple planned projects across Nollywood, including The Secret of Baba Segi’s Wives. The title has now been redeveloped as a feature film that is going to the big screens globally in December 2026.
Odunlade Adekola as Baba Segi: Banking on Star Power
Odunlade Adekola, one of Nollywood’s most consistent box-office draws, leads the ensemble as the larger-than-life Baba Segi. Widely recognised for his commanding presence and versatility across comedy and drama, Adekola has built a loyal following, particularly in Yoruba-language cinema, where his films regularly attract large audiences to theatres.
Casting an actor of his stature in the central role signals a clear emphasis on commercial performance. In Nollywood’s theatrical landscape, where audience turnout often depends heavily on familiar faces, Adekola’s name alone can pull crowds, especially during the crowded December season. With his track record of heading profitable releases, the decision positions the film to compete directly with other star-driven holiday titles. The key question now is whether his proven appeal will translate into the kind of ticket sales needed to stand out among the season’s established heavyweights.
Behind the Script Changes
During its time as a planned Netflix series, the project went through development stages with initial script work that did not proceed to production. Reports indicate that Mo Abudu replaced the original writers before the partnership with Netflix wound down. The screenplay was later entrusted to Adze Ugah, who adapted the novel for the current feature film format. Due to the changes made to the scriptwriters, the production of the series was delayed.
Mo Abudu’s Comeback
EbonyLife Films’ most recent theatrical release was Your Excellency, in 2019, a political satire that grossed approximately ₦186 million at the Nigerian box office. The figure was lower than the studio’s earlier successes, including The Wedding Party, which earned over ₦450 million. Since 2019, Mo Abudu and EbonyLife have concentrated on streaming content, producing Netflix titles such as the film Òlòtūrē, the series Blood Sisters (2022), and Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman (2022).
Abudu has also directed short films on mental health themes, launched the EbonyLife Creative Academy, and introduced the digital platform EbonyLife ON Plus in 2025. The adaptation of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives represents EbonyLife Films’ return to theatrical features after a multi-year focus on other formats.
In Summary
December has long been the most competitive month for Nollywood theatrical releases, with filmmakers like Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham regularly dominating the holiday season through films such as Behind the Scenes and Oversabi Aunty, drawing massive audiences with strong casts and relatable stories.
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives enters this same window with clear advantages: a pan-African partnership across production and exhibition, one of the largest ensemble casts assembled in recent Nigerian cinema, and the proven appeal of a globally respected literary source. With a planned wide release across Nigeria and international territories, movie lovers and industry insiders will be watching closely to see how strongly it performs at the box office against the usual December heavyweights.
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