The Catholic Diocese of Warri has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from the priesthood following reports of his marriage in the United States.
This was announced in a statement titled “Decree of Suspension,” dated Thursday, January 16, 2025, and jointly signed by Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, the Bishop of Warri, and Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, the Chancellor/Notary.
According to the statement, Fr. Oghenerukevwe married Ms. Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA, on December 29, 2024. Video evidence of the wedding was widely shared on social media, the statement added.
The diocese explained that Fr. Oghenerukevwe’s actions resulted in an automatic (Latae Sententiae) suspension under Canon Law.
“Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, hereby officially decrees that Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe is suspended from the exercise of all sacred ministries,” the statement declared.
It was further revealed that on November 30, 2024, Fr. Oghenerukevwe, who had been inactive in ministry and held no formal assignment in the United States, contacted the diocese seeking to be relieved of all canonical responsibilities tied to his ordination as a priest.
The diocese stated that it had requested Fr. Oghenerukevwe to submit the necessary documentation to facilitate the process. However, before completing this procedure, he proceeded to marry Ms. Chichah on December 29, 2024, in a ceremony at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas. The footage of the wedding quickly circulated online.
“As a consequence of his actions, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension under Canon 1394 §1,” the statement continued. “As Bishop of Warri, I officially declare that he is prohibited from performing any priestly duties or presenting himself as a priest of the Diocese of Warri.”
The statement also clarified that the suspension takes immediate effect in line with Canon 1333 and that Fr. Oghenerukevwe has the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of the decree under Canon 1734 §1, should he demonstrate a sincere desire to reform.
The statement concluded with a prayer for Fr. Oghenerukevwe: “May God grant him the grace to reflect on his actions and guide him toward reconciliation.”
