The Catholic Diocese of Warri, Delta State, has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from priestly duties over allegations of his marriage in the United States.
In a statement titled Decree of Suspension, dated Thursday, January 16, 2025, and signed by Bishop Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido and Chancellor Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, the Diocese claimed that Fr. Oghenerukevwe married Ms. Dora Chichah on December 29, 2024, at Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA.
The footage of the marriage posted by the bride’s sister reportedly circulated widely on social media, prompting the church to act.
“By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 §1, and I, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, do hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry,” the statement read.
The Diocese revealed that Fr. Oghenerukevwe had requested on November 30, 2024, to be released from all canonical obligations associated with Holy Orders. However, the Diocese said it reached out to him, asking for the required documents to begin the process, but the priest went on to marry without completing the procedure.
“As such, he is prohibited from presenting himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in any capacity. All canonical implications associated with this suspension take immediate effect (cf. Can. 1333),” the statement added.
The Diocese further stated that Fr. Oghenerukevwe retains the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of the decree but must demonstrate a willingness to reform.
“May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation.”
See reactions below;
tejiri_doro: The bride is my sister and as you rightly said, I shared the video because it was no secret marriage. Thanks for circulating falsehood. If you desire the truth, he left the catholic priesthood 4years ago. Followed all protocols and resigned honorable. He is an ordained orthodox priest serving the lord in spirit and in truth. We the family of bride are proud of him and his wife and we will continue to support them.
mary080210v: Thank you all for the comments,the said priest is my brother and it was the best decision for him,cos he had a lot of issues with his mental health for a long time and couldn’t deal with the loneliness,we his family members are not with him to give him support physically, thank you for your encouraging words as this is a trying Time for our family,but he who finds a wife, finds a good thing, secondly he did not do a secret marriage as he wrote to the dioceses to inform them of his decision.once again thank you.For the sponsor of this post,may God bless you and award you accordingly.
benz_chambers : Are you suspending someone who has already resigned?
okocha.nkem: People don’t read before commenting. He asked to be released from all obligations from the church in November before getting married in December. He informed them before getting married.
brown_tu.lip: Better than lying to himself and pretending to be what he’s not 😂😂.
modestersimonnwokike: God abeg o. All the things wey you talk say go happen when rapture take place done dey happen and I never marry.😂
generalchi1: And he come sabi kiss sef . God forgive me 🙇🏽.
omokafe_atteboy_ikhana: Guyman don tire to dey lie 😂😂😂