- Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe incurs automatic suspension under Canon Law.
- Bishop declares priest barred from presenting himself in any clerical capacity.
The Catholic Diocese of Warri has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe after he entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA, on December 29, 2024. The footage of the marriage, which surfaced on social media, has drawn widespread attention.
In a statement jointly signed by Bishop Anthony Ovayero Ewherido and Very Rev. Fr. Clement Alika, Chancellor of the diocese, it was revealed that Fr. Oghenerukevwe’s actions violate Canon Law 1394 §1, which prohibits clergy from entering matrimony without being formally released from their priestly obligations.
“By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension,” the statement read. It further noted that the priest had contacted the diocese on November 30, 2024, requesting to be relieved of his priestly obligations, but failed to complete the necessary processes before getting married.
As a result, Bishop Ewherido decreed that Fr. Oghenerukevwe is suspended from exercising sacred ministry and prohibited from presenting himself as a priest of the Warri Diocese. The statement urged him to reflect on his actions and consider reconciliation under Canon Law 1734 §1.
The Diocese concluded with a prayer for God’s guidance for Fr. Oghenerukevwe during this period of personal and spiritual challenge
