Mo Abudu marks birthday at Baba Segi’s Wives premiere

The premiere coincided with her birthday, marking a double milestone for the founder of EbonyLife Group, which produced the film adaptation of Lola Shoneyin’s acclaimed 2010 novel.

TIFF listed the film for a 9 p.m. screening on Friday, Sept. 11, at TIFF Lightbox in Toronto, according to the festival’s official website.

In a birthday message shared on her instagram, Abudu expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life, describing her 62 years as a testimony to God’s faithfulness.

“Happy birthday to me. I turn 62 years old today. I am grateful. I am thankful,” she said, while thanking God for His grace, mercy and favour.

She also expressed optimism about the future, saying her heart was full and her spirit thankful.

The filmmaker had earlier announced that the film would continue its international journey from Toronto to London, following its selection for the 70th BFI London Film Festival.

Directed by Daniel Oriahi, the film is based on Shoneyin’s novel about Baba Segi, his four wives and the secrets threatening to unravel his polygamous household.

The production features Odunlade Adekola, Iyabo Ojo, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Ademoye, Omowunmi Dada, Shaffy Bello, Bisola Aiyeola, Lateef Adedimeji, Kunle Remi and Daniel Etim-Effiong.

Following its international festival appearances, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is scheduled to open in cinemas across Nigeria on Dec. 4, 2026.

Abudu had earlier described the adaptation as a major return to the big screen for EbonyLife Films after a five-year focus on streaming productions.

The project brings together EbonyLife Group, Genesis Group, Nile Media Entertainment Group and Silverbird Group in a partnership aimed at taking the Nigerian story to a global cinema audience, BellaNaija reported.

The film’s journey from Toronto to London and then to Nigerian cinemas forms part of EbonyLife’s broader effort to take African stories to international audiences.