The Catholic Diocese of Warri, Delta State, has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from priestly duties following his purported marriage in the United States of America.
This was said in a document headed ‘Decree of Suspension’ dated Thursday, January 16, 2025, and copies of which were distributed to journalists in Warri on Sunday.
The statement, which was jointly signed by the Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, alleged that “Fr. Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA.”
It was also revealed that a video of the marriage, which had purportedly spread widely on social media, motivated 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 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,” the statement read in part.
The Diocese announced that on November 30, 2024, Fr. Oghenerukevwe sought to be discharged from all canonical responsibilities related to Holy Orders.
However, the diocese stated that it contacted him, “asking for the necessary documents to begin the process,” but the priest married without finishing the protocol.
“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 posited.
The diocese also stated that Fr. Oghenerukevwe has the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of the decree, but he 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,” the statement concluded.
