The Catholic Diocese of Warri, Delta State, has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from priestly duties following his alleged marriage in the United States of America.
The suspension was announced in a statement titled “Decree of Suspension,” dated Thursday, January 16, 2025, and shared with journalists in Warri on Sunday.
The statement, signed by the Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, revealed that Fr. Oghenerukevwe had entered into a marital union with Ms. Dora Chichah on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA. Footage of the marriage reportedly went viral on social media, prompting swift action from the Diocese.
“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 declared.
The Diocese further disclosed that Fr. Oghenerukevwe had previously requested, on November 30, 2024, to be released from all canonical obligations associated with Holy Orders.
Despite this request, he failed to provide the necessary documentation to begin the process and went ahead to marry without completing the required 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 emphasized.
The Diocese acknowledged Fr. Oghenerukevwe’s right to petition for the revocati Catholic Priest Suspended for Alleged Marriage in the USA: Diocese of Warri Takes Actionon or amendment of the decree but stated that 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.
This incident underscores the Catholic Church’s strict adherence to its rules and doctrines, particularly concerning the vow of celibacy taken by priests.
The Diocese of Warri’s decision serves as a reminder of the sanctity of priestly commitments and the consequences of breaching them.