Baba Segi Heads to the Big Screen: EbonyLife Revives Classic African Novel for 2026 Cinema Release
EbonyLife Films is set to return to cinemas with a major literary adaptation. The company has announced plans to bring Lola Shoneyin’s acclaimed novel The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives to the big screen, with a theatrical release slated for December 2026.
The project marks EbonyLife Films’ first feature film in five years, signalling a renewed commitment to large-scale cinema storytelling.
What the Film Is About
Originally published in 2010, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives centres on Baba Segi, a prosperous polygamist, his four wives, and their children. Beneath the surface of domestic harmony lies a web of secrets that slowly unravels, exposing themes of power, patriarchy, rivalry, resilience, and survival within polygamous households.
The story has earned international acclaim for its sharp social commentary and deeply layered female characters, making it one of the most celebrated African novels of the past two decades.
Production & Creative Team
The film is being produced by EbonyLife Group in collaboration with Genesis Group, Nile Media Entertainment Group, and Silverbird Group, uniting major forces in African film production, distribution, and exhibition.
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Director: Daniel Oriahi
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Screenplay: Adapted by Adze Ugah
Producers:
Heidi Uys, Chris Odeh, Mimi Bartels, and Lola Shoneyin
Executive Producers:
Mo Abudu, Nnaeto Orazulike, Moses Babatope, and Guy Murray Bruce
Production Design: Temidayo Makanjuola
Costume Design: Yolanda Okereke
Star-Studded Ensemble Cast
The film boasts a large ensemble led by:
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Odunlade Adekola
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Iyabo Ojo
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Mercy Aigbe
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Bimbo Ademoye
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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, among others.
Global Cinema Rollout
The film will open in cinemas across Nigeria and international markets, including the United Kingdom, where EbonyLife Cinemas is expected to launch in the second quarter of the year.
From Streaming Plans to Cinema Screens
In 2020, Netflix announced a multi-project partnership with EbonyLife, which included plans to develop The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives as a drama series. That adaptation, however, did not move forward.
By late 2024, Netflix significantly reduced its commissioning of Nigerian original content, shifting its focus toward licensing completed films rather than financing new productions. As a result, several planned Nollywood projects stalled—including Baba Segi’s series adaptation.
The story has now been reimagined as a feature film, positioning it for a global theatrical release in December 2026.
A Return to Form for EbonyLife Films
EbonyLife’s film catalogue includes The Wedding Party, Chief Daddy, Your Excellency, Fifty, Òlòtüré, Elesin Oba, Blood Sisters, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, and Dust to Dreams.
Mo Abudu described the adaptation as a meaningful return to cinema, emphasising the strength of the creative partnerships, the scale of the production, and the importance of bringing a landmark African literary work to audiences worldwide
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