A priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in Nigeria, Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, has been suspended after he secretly wed a woman in the United States.
The Bishop of Warri, Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, announcing the suspension on January 20, noted that Daniel had been out of service without any official assignment in the United States.
According to the bishop’s press release, Daniel, in November last year, requested to quit all canonical obligations and church responsibilities.
The church was reportedly processing his request before photos of his wedding went viral, prompting an immediate response from the Diocese.
“The Diocese of Warri reached out to Fr. Oghenerukevwe, requesting the submission of documents required to initiate the process,” the Bishop of Warri wrote.
“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 went viral on social media,” he added.
Cognisance of the provisions of Canon Law 1394, the Bishop declared, “I, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, do hereby officially suspend him from the exercise of sacred ministry.”
The bishop further prohibited him from presenting himself as a priest of the Diocese of Warri in any capacity.
Noting that the suspended priest, however, retains the right to appeal the decision, he said: “All canonical implications associated with this suspension take immediate effect.”
“May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation.” he concluded.
