May 21, 2013

Lola Shoneyin

Lola Shoneyin, Nigerian Author and Poet

Best known for her 2009 book, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, which deals with the subject of polygamy, Lola Shoneyin is is a Nigerian poet and author. A teacher by profession, Shoneyin holds a teaching degree from the London Metropolitan University. She is currently a deputy principal at an international secondary School in Abuja, Nigeria, where she also teaches English and drama.

The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives (by Lola Shoneyin)

The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives (by Lola Shoneyin)

Baba Segi is a polygamist with four wives. Of his four wives, only Bolanle, the last, is the wife of his choice. Bolanle is a university graduate. She has no “Iya” alias because she is unable to conceive. The other wives, especially Iya Segi and Iya Femi, who are both illiterates, see a common enemy in Bolanle.