The Catholic Diocese of Warri has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe after he broke his celibacy vow and married his partner, Ms. Dora Chichah, in Dallas, United States, on December 29, 2024. The marriage ceremony took place at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, without the priest obtaining formal release from his canonical obligations.
In a statement titled “Decree of Suspension,” dated January 16, 2025, and signed by the Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, the Diocese confirmed the suspension.
“By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a *Latae Sententiae* suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 S1. I, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, do hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry,” the statement read.
The Diocese explained that Fr. Oghenerukevwe had submitted a request on November 30, 2024, seeking release from his priestly obligations, but failed to complete the required process before proceeding with the marriage.
**Violation and Suspension**
The statement further clarified that the priest’s actions violated canonical law, specifically Canon 1333, which prohibits him from exercising any priestly functions. The Diocese added, “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.”
The Diocese noted it had reached out to Fr. Oghenerukevwe after receiving his request to leave the priesthood, asking him to provide the necessary documents for the process. However, the priest bypassed the procedure, proceeding with the marriage and circulating footage of the ceremony on social media.
**Family Speaks Out**
Mary Okanatotor, a woman claiming to be Fr. Oghenerukevwe’s biological sister, defended his decision, attributing it to his struggles with loneliness and mental health challenges.
“It was the best decision for him because he had a lot of issues with his mental health for a long time and couldn’t deal with the loneliness,” she wrote in a social media comment. She also revealed that their family was not physically present to support him during his difficult times.
Mary added, “This is a trying time for our family, but he who finds a wife finds a good thing. He wrote to the Diocese to inform them of his decision. Once again, thank you for your encouraging words.”
**Priestly Ordination and Background**
Fr. Oghenerukevwe, a native of the Ewu Kingdom in Delta State, was ordained as a Catholic priest on June 21, 2008. His sudden decision to leave the priesthood and marry has sparked conversations within and beyond the Catholic community.
**Path to Reconciliation**
The Diocese has left the door open for possible reconciliation, stating that Fr. Oghenerukevwe retains the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of the suspension decree. However, he must demonstrate a willingness to reform and comply with Church directives.
“May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation,” the statement concluded.
