The Catholic Diocese of Warri, Delta State, has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, from priestly duties due to his secret marriage in the United States.
According to a statement titled ‘Decree of Suspension,’ dated January 16, 2025, Fr. Oghenerukevwe allegedly entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA.
A footage of the marriage circulated widely on social media, prompting the church to take action.
The Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, jointly signed the statement, which decreed Fr. Oghenerukevwe’s suspension.
The statement read in part: “By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 S1, and I, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, do hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry.”
Fr. Oghenerukevwe had requested to be released from his canonical obligations associated with Holy Orders on November 30, 2024. However, he went ahead with the marriage without completing the necessary procedures, leading to his suspension. As a result, he is prohibited from presenting himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in any capacity.
The statement concluded with a prayer: “May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation.”
