By Abiola Olawale
The Catholic Diocese of Warri has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from the priesthood following reports of his engagement in a secret marriage in the United States.
Various videos capturing this development have been trending on social media platforms.
This was disclosed in a statement titled ‘Decree of Suspension’, dated Thursday, January 16, 2025.
The statement was jointly signed by the Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo.
The Catholic Diocese said the action reflects the Church’s stance on clerical celibacy, which generally prohibits priests from marrying.
The New Diplomat reports that the suspension is a canonical penalty in Catholic law where a priest is deprived, either entirely or partially, of the use of his power of orders, office, or benefice.
The Diocese alleged that Fr. Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA. The footage of the marriage reportedly circulated widely on social media, prompting the church to act.
The statement reads in part: “By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension by 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).
“May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation.”
