Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of the Warri Catholic Diocese, has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe for entering into marriage, an act contrary to the vows of the priesthood. As a result, Oghenerukevwe is prohibited from presenting himself as a priest of the diocese in any capacity.
The suspension was detailed in a statement signed by the Bishop and Very Rev. Fr. Clement A., the Chancellor and Notary of the diocese. The statement revealed that Oghenerukevwe married Ms. Dora Chichah on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA. Footage of the wedding has been widely circulated on social media, prompting the church to take action.
“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,” the Bishop declared.
The church emphasized that the suspension is in line with Canon Law and stated that all its implications are effective immediately, citing Canon 1333. The statement further explained that Oghenerukevwe, who had been without any official assignment in the United States, contacted the Bishop on November 30, 2024, requesting to be released from his priestly obligations. However, before the necessary processes could be completed, he proceeded to marry Ms. Chichah.
“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,” the statement noted.
The Bishop reiterated that Oghenerukevwe’s actions violate Canon Law, which explicitly prohibits clerics from entering into marriage. He also stated that the suspended priest retains the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of the decree if he demonstrates a willingness to reform.
“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 in accordance with Canon 1734 §1 whenever he demonstrates a willingness to reform,” the Bishop said.
Concluding the statement, the Bishop expressed hope for Oghenerukevwe’s reconciliation. “May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation.”
The incident has raised concerns within the diocese and underscores the Catholic Church’s commitment to upholding the sanctity of priestly celibacy.
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