The Catholic Diocese of Warri, Delta State, has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe for marrying secretly in United States.
Oghenerukevwe and his bride’s wedding pictures which were leaked are creating buzz on social media with several commentaries.
A statement by Catholic Diocese of Warri, titled ‘Decree of Suspension’, announced the priest’s suspension on grounds of breaking his ordination vows as it concerns celibacy.
The statement signed by the Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, said, “Fr.Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA”, and as a result banned from priestly duties.”
It reads further: “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 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.
