EbonyLife Films (led by Mo Abudu) is partnering with Genesis Group, Nile Media Entertainment Group, and Silverbird Group for a wide global theatrical release of the highly anticipated big-screen adaptation of Lola Shoneyin’s acclaimed 2010 novel ‘The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives’.
This marks the first time such major entertainment companies have come together to co-produce and distribute a cinema movie in Nollywood, uniting production, distribution, and exhibition powerhouses in an unprecedented move to elevate African storytelling on the world stage.
The film has an 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 tells the story of Baba Segi, a wealthy but uneducated man whose household is built on tradition, authority, and appearances. Married to four very different women, Baba Segi believes he controls his home completely, until his youngest and most educated wife, Bolanle, enters the family and quietly disrupts the balance.
Set within the private spaces of a polygamous Nigerian household, the novel peels back the layers of each wife’s life, revealing hidden ambitions, painful sacrifices, rivalries, and long-buried secrets. As tensions rise and a shocking truth comes to light, the story exposes how power really operates behind closed doors, who benefits from patriarchy, and who pays the price for survival.
The novel is not just about marriage or polygamy; it is about silence, control, desire, and the cost of keeping secrets in a society where women are expected to endure.
Daniel Oriahi is set to direct the project, which is based on a script adapted by Adze Ugah. Some of the producers are Heidi Uys, Chris Odeh, Mimi Bartels of Ankle Films, 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 serves as the lead wardrobe designer.
Speaking on the project, Genesis Group Managing Director Orazulike said, “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 said, “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.”
“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.”Silverbird Group President Murray Bruce said.
The highly anticipated big-screen adaptation is set for cinemas in December 2026, with a simultaneous rollout across Nigeria and international markets, including the United Kingdom, where EbonyLife Cinemas opens later this year.
