Mo Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife Group, revealed very exciting news yesterday via her Instagram handle which has caused excitement across the Nigerian literary and film communities.

According to the post, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, the critically acclaimed and excellent novel written by Lola Shoneyin, will officially be adapted into a feature-length film for cinemas.

The movie is set for a December 2026 release and will be produced under EbonyLife Films, marking yet another milestone in the company’s commitment to telling powerful African stories.The announcement ignited a lot of excitement among fans, creatives, and industry stakeholders—and for good reason.

A Beloved Literary Classic Comes Alive

First published on 16 June 2010, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is a literary masterpiece that has stood the test of time. For over a decade, the novel has been read by thousands across Nigeria and beyond, and it has also been a staple text for literature students in secondary schools.

The book’s enduring relevance lies in its bold depth of secrets, survival, power, patriarchy, and gender politics within a polygamous household. Lola Shoneyin’s storytelling is rich, layered, and deeply human, making the novel both thought-provoking and emotionally gripping.

Seeing such a powerful story transition from page to screen is a moment many readers have long hoped for and many only dreamt of. In her announcement, Mo Abudu also revealed that EbonyLife Group will be partnering with Genesis Cinemas, Nile Group, and Silverbird Group to distribute the film. These partnerships are strategic and significant, as they ensure the story reaches a broad and diverse cinema audience across Nigeria and potentially beyond.

This collaboration reinforces EbonyLife’s vision of amplifying African narratives while maintaining high production standards and wide accessibility.

Adding to the excitement is the revelation of an outstanding cast.The film will feature some of Nollywood’s finest talents, including:

• Odunlade Adekola
• Iyabo Ojo
• Mercy Aigbe
• Bimbo Ademoye
• Omowunmi Dada

Alongside a host of other exceptional stars, this cast promises depth, authenticity, and excellent performances that can truly do justice to the novel’s complex characters.

This adaptation represents more than just another movie release. It is a celebration of African literature, cinema, and storytelling evolution. Projects like this affirm that African stories are worthy of global platforms and cinematic excellence.

From bookshelves to cinema screens, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin is about to be experienced in an entirely new way and that is something worth celebrating.

These are truly the moments we love to see: the growth of African narratives, the preservation of cultural stories, and their transformation into visual experiences that resonate with new generations.

Have you read Lola Shoneyin’s The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives?