Catholic Diocese of Warri Suspends Priest for Marriage

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, has officially suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from priestly duties after he entered into marriage.

In a statement co-signed by the Bishop and the Diocese’s Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Clement A., it was revealed that Fr. Oghenerukevwe married Ms. Dora Chichah on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA. The wedding footage has since circulated widely on social media.

The statement explained that by taking this step, Fr. Oghenerukevwe had incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension, a penalty automatically applied under the Catholic Church’s Canon Law (Canon 1394 §1) for priests who enter into marriage.

The Bishop decreed: “Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe is suspended from exercising sacred ministry. 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).”

Further, the statement revealed that the priest had contacted the Diocese on November 30, 2024, seeking to be formally released from canonical obligations tied to Holy Orders. However, he proceeded with the marriage before completing the process.

The Diocese also noted that Fr. Oghenerukevwe retains the right to request a revocation or amendment of the suspension decree under Canon 1734 §1, should he express a willingness to reconcile with the Church.

The statement concluded with an appeal for reflection: “May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation.”