By Esther Olamoyegun

Author: Lola Shoneyin

Published: June, 2010

Publisher: William Morrow

The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives novel by Lola Shoneyin is a stunning and captivating novel that offers a rare insight into the lives of African women in a polygamous marriage. Set in modern-day Nigeria, the book follows the story of Baba Segi, a wealthy and powerful man who takes on his fourth wife, Bolanle, in a bid to further satisfy his inflated male ego. Already having seven children from his first three wives: Iya Segi, Iya Tope and Iya Femi, Baba Segi believes that “bagging” Bolanle, an educated woman, will boost his prosperity, success, validation and reputation. 

Bolanle’s arrival to the Alao family is not well received by the wives and other children. The three wives immediately wasted no time in showing Bolanle that she was not welcome. It seems Bolanle came to upset the existing dynamics in the family, which they feared would expose their secrets.

The novel is a masterful exploration of the complex dynamics of polygamous marriage, revealing the often hidden and secretive lives of Baba Segi’s wives. As the story unfolds, we see the jealousy, competition, and power struggles that arise between the wives as they vie for the affection and attention of their husband. We also see a representation of an average polygamous household in Southern Nigeria, and how the entire family operation is arranged to suit the demands of the husband and father. 

But the heart of the novel lies in the character of Bolanle, a highly educated woman from a different social class who struggles to fit into the patriarchal world of her husband. As she tries to navigate her new life, Bolanle uncovers dark secrets about her husband and his other wives, ultimately leading to a shocking climax that will leave readers breathless. Lola Shoneyin uses Bolanle’s arrival to uncover the paternity fraud that only the wives are privy to, hence the hatred she experiences. In an oblivious and desperate attempt to not be the “barren wife”, Bolanle exposes the secrets of her co-wives.

The book also encapsulates many Nigerians’ strong beliefs in traditional and non-science methods of doing things. While this has certain benefits, the old way of doing things can be hardly relied upon as it is devoid of logic and understanding most times. This is seen in Baba Segi’s hesitance to go to the hospital over Bolanle’s childlessness. His masculine braggadocio and illiteracy also come to play here as he claims that he has fathered seven children, so his fertility could not be questioned. 

Notably, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is a heart-warming expose on what obtains in many polygamous homes. The book also wraps its events around the not-so-great feature of misogyny and patriarchy and its effects on people. Baba Segi’s actions are mostly driven by certain societal expectations of men and what they must do to be perceived as “real men”. And for the wives, their events are fueled by the need to “protect ” patriarchal establishments and suit the insatiable ego of the men in their lives.  

Shoneyin’s writing is both beautiful and haunting, drawing the reader deep into the lives of her characters and the world they inhabit. Her prose is richly evocative, bringing to life the sights, sounds, and smells of Nigeria, its people, and cultural tendencies.

Overall, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of African culture and the human experience. Shoneyin’s storytelling is powerful, poignant, and unforgettable, making this novel a true masterpiece of contemporary African literature.

Esther Olamoyegun is a digital marketer and creative writer, she writes from Lagos.

Meiza Nigeria