The Catholic Diocese of Warri, Delta State, has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from priestly duties following his alleged marriage to Ms. Dora Chichah, solemnized in the United States. This was confirmed in a decree titled “Decree of Suspension” issued on January 16, 2025, and made available to journalists in Warri on Sunday.

Allegations of Marriage

According to the statement jointly signed by the Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, Fr. Oghenerukevwe allegedly married Ms. Chichah on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, Texas.

A video of the wedding ceremony reportedly circulated widely on social media, prompting the Diocese to take immediate action.

Suspension and Canonical Violations

The Diocese stated that Fr. Oghenerukevwe’s actions constituted a grave violation of Canon 1394 S1, which prohibits priests from contracting marriage without prior dispensation. Consequently, the Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Ewherido, issued a Latae Sententiae suspension, which means the suspension is automatic upon the offense being committed.

The decree read:
“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 suspension prohibits Fr. Oghenerukevwe from presenting himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri or exercising any priestly functions.

Request to Leave Priesthood

The Diocese revealed that Fr. Oghenerukevwe had previously submitted a formal request on November 30, 2024, to be released from all canonical obligations associated with Holy Orders. However, the process was not completed.

“The Diocese reached out to him, asking for the required documents to begin the process, but the priest went on to marry without completing the procedure,” the statement clarified.

Path to Reconciliation

While suspended, Fr. Oghenerukevwe retains the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of the decree. The Diocese stated that any such request must demonstrate a genuine willingness to reform and comply with canonical norms.

“May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation,” the Diocese concluded.

Implications of Suspension

As per Canon 1333 of the Code of Canon Law, the suspension takes immediate effect and prohibits Fr. Oghenerukevwe from performing sacraments, celebrating Mass, or engaging in any official capacity as a priest. The Diocese emphasized that all canonical consequences of the suspension are in full force.

This development has stirred conversations within the Catholic community, with many expressing disappointment while others hope for Fr. Oghenerukevwe’s eventual reconciliation with the Church.