The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives Is Coming to Toronto for Its World Premiere
Lola Shoneyin’s acclaimed novel comes to life as Daniel Oriahi’s star-studded adaptation makes its world premiere at TIFF 2026.
TORONTO, CANADA: Nigerian cinema is set to take centre stage in Toronto as The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives heads to the 51st Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where the highly anticipated film will have its world premiere in September 2026.
Adapted from Lola Shoneyin’s acclaimed novel of the same name, the film takes audiences into the complicated world of Baba Segi, a wealthy Yoruba patriarch whose seemingly powerful household begins to unravel when his youngest wife, Bolanle, struggles to conceive.
The story explores marriage, polygamy, fertility, jealousy, power, betrayal and family secrets, presenting a deeply Nigerian story through a cinematic lens with themes that resonate far beyond Nigeria.
The film is directed by Daniel Oriahi and produced by EbonyLife Films, with a star-studded Nigerian cast featuring Odunlade Adekola as Baba Segi, Omowunmi Dada as Bolanle, Iyabo Ojo, Mercy Aigbe and Bimbo Ademoye.
At the centre of the story is Bolanle, an educated young woman who becomes Baba Segi’s fourth wife. Her arrival disrupts the carefully maintained balance among the women in the household, gradually exposing secrets that have been hidden for years.
The film’s selection for TIFF’s Centrepiece programme is a significant moment for Nigerian storytelling. TIFF 2026 runs from September 10 to 20, with The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives among the African titles selected for the festival.
For Nollywood and fans of African cinema in the diaspora, the Toronto premiere offers an opportunity for a story rooted in Yoruba culture and Nigerian family life to reach an international festival audience.
The film is also expected to continue its journey beyond Toronto, with a planned Nigerian theatrical release in December 2026.
With its combination of an acclaimed literary source, an impressive ensemble cast and a story filled with secrets, rivalry and unexpected revelations, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is shaping up to be one of the Nigerian films to watch in 2026.
Toronto is ready. Baba Segi and his wives are coming.
