The Catholic Diocese of Warri has officially suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from the priesthood after reports surfaced of his marr
The Catholic Diocese of Warri has officially suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from the priesthood after reports surfaced of his marriage to Ms. Dora Chichah in Dallas, USA.
A statement titled “Decree of Suspension” and signed by Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, and Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, Chancellor/Notary, outlined the reasons for the disciplinary action.
According to the statement, the marriage took place on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church, with footage of the ceremony widely shared on social media.
The church described the marriage as a direct violation of Canon Law, specifically Canon 1394 §1, which prohibits clerics from entering into marriage. As a result, Rev. Fr. Oghenerukevwe incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension—an automatic penalty under ecclesiastical law.
“By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry,” the statement declared. “He is prohibited from presenting himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in any capacity.”
The diocese revealed that the priest had requested to be released from his clerical obligations as far back as November 30, 2024. However, before the process could be completed, he proceeded with the marriage, effectively breaking his vows.
The diocese further clarified that Oghenerukevwe retains the right to seek the revocation or amendment of the decree if he shows a willingness to reform. Bishop Ewherido called on the suspended priest to reflect on his actions and seek reconciliation.
The incident has sparked conversations about the importance of clerical vows and the implications of breaking them. Church authorities reiterated their commitment to upholding the sanctity of the priesthood while extending prayers for Fr. Oghenerukevwe’s repentance and spiritual growth.
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