Warri Diocese Suspends Catholic Priest Over Secret Marriage In US
The Catholic Diocese of Warri has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from priesthood following reports of his secret marriage in the United States.
This was disclosed in a statement titled “Decree of Suspension,” dated January 16, 2025, and signed by the Bishop of Warri, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo.
The church revealed that Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA, on December 29, 2024.
The marriage footage, which surfaced on social media, triggered widespread reactions.
The statement, as cited by Vanguard, explained that Oghenerukevwe’s actions contravened the church’s Canon law, resulting in an automatic Latae Sententiae suspension.
“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.
Detailing the timeline, the church said, “On November 30, 2024, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, who has been out of active ministry and without any official assignment in the United States of America, contacted me with a request to be released from all canonical obligations and responsibilities associated with Holy Orders within the Roman Catholic Church.
“The Diocese of Warri reached out to Fr. Oghenerukevwe, requesting the submission of documents required to initiate the process. However, on December 29, 2024, Fr. Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA. Footage of this marriage has been widely circulated on social media.
“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.
“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). He retains the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of this decree in accordance with Canon 1734 §1 whenever he demonstrates 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 ended.
