The Catholic Diocese of Warri in Delta State has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe for entering into matrimony with a woman in the United States.
In a statement dated January 16 and jointly signed by the Bishop of Warri Diocese, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, the Church disclosed that Oghenerukevwe had previously sought to be released from all canonical duties within the Roman Catholic Church.
However, while the Church was processing his request, the Reverend Father proceeded to wed Ms. Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA, just a month later.
The statement, titled “Decree of Suspension,” formally announced the decision, emphasizing that Oghenerukevwe’s actions were contrary to the vows and obligations of the priesthood.
The statement read: “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 following 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. Given at the Mother of Perpetual Help Chancery, Warri Diocese, on this 16th day of January 2025.”
