Nigerian priest suspended by Catholic Church over secret marriage in U.S.

SAHARA REPORTERS

The Catholic Diocese of Warri, Delta State, has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from priestly duties following allegations that he secretly married a woman in the United States.

In a statement titled “Decree of Suspension”, dated Thursday, January 16, 2025, the Diocese disclosed that the suspension was necessitated after evidence emerged of Fr. Oghenerukevwe’s marriage to Ms. Dora Chichah on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA.

Meanwhile, the statement jointly signed by the Bishop of Warri, Anthony Ovayero Ewherido and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, clarified that the priest’s actions violated Catholic Church laws.

The statement said footage of the wedding has been circulated widely on social media, prompting the Church to act.

“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,” it read.

According to the Diocese, Fr. Oghenerukevwe had requested a release from his canonical obligations as a priest on November 30, 2024, but the process was incomplete when he went ahead with the marriage.

The Diocese stated that it had asked him to provide the necessary documents to formalize his exit from priesthood but received no response before his controversial wedding.

The statement read, “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).

“Fr. 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 said.

THIS STORY FIRST APPEARED IN SAHARA REPORTERS