Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has been suspended from his priestly responsibilities by the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Delta State, due to his claimed marriage being sealed in the United States of America.
A statement titled “Decree of Suspension,” dated Thursday, January 16, 2025, contained this information. Copies of the announcement were distributed to reporters in Warri on Sunday.
Fr. Oghenerukevwe married Ms. Dora Chichah on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA, according to the statement, which was jointly signed by the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, and the Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido.
It was also learned that the church had taken action after video of the marriage allegedly went viral 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 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 said.
The Diocese revealed that Fr. Oghenerukevwe had requested on November 30, 2024, to be released from all canonical obligations associated with Holy Orders.
However, the diocese said it 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 posited.
The diocese further 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.
Leave a Reply