The Bishop of the Warri Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe for getting married.
The Bishop stated that Oghenerukevwe is now prohibited from presenting himself as a priest of the Diocese of Warri in any capacity.
This announcement came in a statement jointly signed by the Bishop and Very Rev. Fr. Clement A., Chancellor/Notary of the diocese. The statement alleged that Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA, on December 29, 2024, with footage of the marriage widely circulated on social media.
By his actions, the church said that Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with Canon law.
“Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, hereby officially decrees that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry.
“On November 30, 2024, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, who has been out of active ministry and without any official assignment in the United States of America, contacted me with a request to be released from all canonical obligations and responsibilities associated with Holy Orders within the Roman Catholic Church.
“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.
“By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with Canon 1394 §1, and I, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry.
“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.
“May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation,” the statement said.
