A Catholic priest from the Warri Diocese, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, has reportedly tied the knot in a secret wedding ceremony in the United States.
The marriage, which took place on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA, came to light after footage of the event circulated widely on social media, prompting the Diocese to take swift action.
In response to the controversy, the Catholic Diocese of Warri issued a statement on Sunday, January 18, 2025, announcing the suspension of Fr. Oghenerukevwe from his priestly duties.
The statement, jointly signed by Bishop Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido and Chancellor/Notary Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, confirmed that the priest had entered into the marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah.
“Fr. Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA,” it said.
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The Diocese revealed that Fr. Oghenerukevwe had sought to be released from his canonical obligations in November 2024, but had failed to complete the necessary procedures before marrying. As a result, the Diocese has suspended him from performing any priestly duties, citing Canon 1394 S1 of the Church’s law.
“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 read in part.
However, the Diocese stated that it had reached out to him, “asking for the required documents to begin the process, but the priest went on to marry without completing the 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 added.
While the suspension takes immediate effect, the Diocese clarified that Fr. Oghenerukevwe retains the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of the decree, provided he demonstrates a willingness to reform.
The Diocese concluded the statement with a prayer for the priest’s reflection and reconciliation, urging him to find the path to restoration.
“May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation,” the statement concluded.
