Catholic priest suspended for getting married to lover in USA

The Catholic Diocese of Warri in Delta State has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe for marrying a woman, Ms. Dora Chichah, in the United States.

In a statement dated January 16, jointly signed by Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri Diocese, and Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, the Chancellor, the Church explained that Fr. Oghenerukevwe had earlier requested to be released from his priestly obligations. However, before his request was processed, he went ahead to wed in December 2024 at the Streams of Joy Church, Dallas, USA.

The statement, titled “Decree of Suspension,” condemned his actions as a violation of the sacred vows of 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.”