The Catholic Diocese of Warri has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from the ministry following his alleged marriage in the United States.
This was announced in a statement headed ‘Decree of Suspension’ dated Thursday, January 16, 2025, and signed by the Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo.
The announcement said that on December 29, 2024, Oghenerukevwe married Ms. Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA, and that film of the wedding had been extensively circulated on social media.
The Church said that Oghenerukevwe has suffered a Latae Sententiae suspension in conformity with Canon law.
“Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, hereby officially decrees that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry.“
The statement read as follows: “On November 30, 2024, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, who had 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 contacted Fr. Oghenerukevwe, seeking the submission of documentation necessary to begin the procedure. However, on December 29, 2024, Fr. Oghenerukevwe married Ms. Dora Chichah at Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, Texas, USA. This wedding video has gone viral on social media.”
“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, hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry.”
“As a result, he is barred from identifying himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in any manner. All canonical consequences of this suspension take immediate effect (see 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’s conclusion said.
