Mo Abudu Sets 'The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives' for December 2026 Cinema Release
EbonyLife Films has officially confirmed that the highly anticipated adaptation of Lola Shoneyin’s bestselling novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives, will hit cinemas in December 2026.
This announcement marks a significant pivot for the project, which was originally touted as a Netflix original series. Mo Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife Media, revealed that the production has evolved into a major feature film designed for the big screen. The move signals EbonyLife’s grand return to theatrical releases after a five-year hiatus focused on streaming content.
A Star-Studded Collaboration
To bring this literary masterpiece to life, EbonyLife has entered a powerhouse partnership with three industry giants: Genesis Group, Nile Media Entertainment Group, and Silverbird Group. The collaboration aims to ensure a massive distribution network across West Africa and the United Kingdom.
The casting choices have already set social media abuzz. The film will feature Nollywood heavyweight Odunlade Adekola in the titular role of Baba Segi, the polygamous patriarch with a secret. Joining him is a stellar lineup including Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Ademoye, and Iyabo Ojo, who recently made waves with her own blockbuster The Return of Arinzo.
Why This Adaptation Matters
Lola Shoneyin’s novel is a modern classic, celebrated for its sharp wit and poignant exploration of polygamy, jealousy, and family secrets. Fans have clamored for a screen version for over a decade.
By shifting to a cinema release, Mo Abudu is betting on the communal experience of movie-going. The film is directed by Daniel Oriahi, with a screenplay co-written by Adze Ugah and the author herself, ensuring that the soul of the book remains intact.
This ambitious project joins a list of major entertainment milestones slated for late 2026. Music fans are already counting down to Davido and Chris Brown's joint album, making the end of the year a potential cultural festival for Nigerian entertainment.
What’s Next?
Production is reportedly underway, with the team aiming to capture the vibrant, chaotic, and colorful world of Baba Segi’s household.
"This story deserves the biggest canvas possible," Abudu stated. "We are bringing a world-class cinematic experience to audiences this Christmas."
Keep it locked on Naijarave for exclusive behind-the-scenes photos and trailer drops as we approach the December release.
