Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife Films is heading to Toronto. The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, the Nigerian feature adaptation of Lola Shoneyin’s internationally acclaimed 2010 novel, has been selected for the Centrepiece Programme at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, where it will make its world premiere next month. The film’s first official trailer has also been released today.
Set within a seemingly harmonious polygamous household, the film follows Baba Segi, a wealthy patriarch with three wives, seven children and a carefully maintained family order. When his youngest wife Bolanle arrives, the fragile balance within the household begins to unravel, setting off a series of revelations that expose long-buried secrets, hidden betrayals and truths capable of destroying the family forever. The film explores love, power, jealousy, identity, survival and the complex relationships that bind families together. The story is told predominantly in Yoruba.
Directed by Daniel Oriahi and adapted by Adze Ugah, the film stars Odunlade Adekola, Iyabo Ojo, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Ademoye and Omowunmi Dada, with supporting cast including Nkechi Blessing, Bimbo Manuel, Bisola Aiyeola, Olarotimi Fakunle, Constance Olatunde and Maleek Sanni, and special appearances from Daniel Etim-Effiong, Kunle Remi, Uzor Arukwe, Tina Mba, Nancy Isime and more.
“We are honored that The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives has been selected for the Toronto International Film Festival,” said Abudu. “Authenticity was at the heart of every creative decision we made, which is why we chose to tell this story predominantly in Yoruba. It is the language these characters speak, live and love in, and preserving that authenticity was essential while bringing this powerful story to audiences around the world.”
Moses Babatope, CEO of Nile Media Entertainment Group, one of the film’s producing partners alongside Genesis Media Group, Silverbird Group and Flytime Entertainment, added: “To be selected by the Toronto International Film Festival from more than 9,000 submissions and to be part of the prestigious Centrepiece program is truly an honor.”
The film marks EbonyLife Films’ return to theatrical cinema after five years, with a release date set for December 4, 2026 across Nigeria and additional international territories including the UK, where EbonyLife Cinemas is scheduled to open in October.