Victor Ezeja
A Catholic priest under Warri Diocese in Delta State, Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, has been suspended from priestly duties following reports of alleged marriage secretly done in the United States of America recently.
This was made known in a statement titled ‘Decree of Suspension,’ dated Thursday, 16 January 2025, jointly signed by the Bishop of Warri Diocese, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to the statement, Rev. Fr. Oghenerukevwe, wedded his heartthrob, Ms. Dora Chichah, on 29 December 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA.
The statement said Rev. Fr. Oghenerukevwe, who has been out of active ministry and without official assignment in the United States, reached out to the Diocese to be relieved of canonical obligations and responsibilities associated with the Holy Order within the Catholic Church and was asked to submit documents required to initiate the process.
He however went ahead to contract the marriage on 29 December 2024 without completing the procedure.
The Diocese said footage of the wedding has widely circulated on social media, prompting the action taken by the church.
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“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,” part of the statement read.
The Diocese said the priest is hereby 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),” it declared.
The Diocese however stated that Oghenerukevwe retains the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of the decree but must demonstrate 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 added.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
