The Catholic Diocese of Warri, located in Delta State, Nigeria, has formally announced the suspension of Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from his priestly duties. This action follows allegations that he entered into a marriage while still an active member of the clergy, an act that contravenes Canon Law.
The suspension was detailed in an official statement titled “Decree of Suspension,” issued on Thursday, January 16, 2025, and made public on Sunday, January 19, 2025. The Diocese revealed that Rev. Fr. Oghenerukevwe had entered into matrimony with Ms. Dora Chichah on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church, located in Dallas, United States. The marriage ceremony, reportedly attended by friends and family, was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, prompting swift action from the Church.
The decree of suspension was signed by Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, the Bishop of Warri, and Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, the Chancellor and Notary of the Diocese. The suspension was imposed in accordance with Canon 1394 S1 of the Code of Canon Law, which states that clerics attempting marriage incur a latae sententiae suspension. This form of suspension is automatic upon the act of marriage and forbids the cleric from performing any sacred ministry.
An excerpt from the statement read as follows: “By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a latae sententiae suspension, and I, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry.”
Further details from the Diocese revealed that the priest had previously submitted a request on November 30, 2024, to be released from his canonical obligations as a priest. However, the process to formalize his release was incomplete, as Fr. Oghenerukevwe reportedly failed to submit the required documents to the Diocese. Despite being informed of this, he proceeded with the marriage, effectively violating Church law and his clerical responsibilities.
The decree further clarified that as a result of the suspension, Fr. Oghenerukevwe is no longer authorized to present himself as a priest of the Diocese of Warri. Additionally, all canonical implications of the suspension outlined under Canon 1333 are to take immediate effect, preventing him from exercising any priestly functions or roles.
The Diocese expressed concern over the matter, stating that Rev. Fr. Oghenerukevwe retains the right to appeal the suspension and seek revocation or amendment of the decree. The Church emphasized that this would require evidence of genuine remorse and a willingness to reform his actions in accordance with Church doctrine.
The official statement concluded with the following message: “May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation.”
The news of the marriage and subsequent suspension has sparked widespread reactions, particularly on social media platforms where the wedding footage has gone viral. The Diocese acknowledged the public attention surrounding the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the sanctity of priesthood and its obligations under Canon Law.