A recently suspended Catholic priest by the Catholic Church of Warri Diocese in Delta State, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, has made headlines after abandoning his celibacy vows and renouncing his priestly calling to marry his partner, Dora Chichah, in Dallas, USA.
The priest married Dora Chichah at the Stream of Joy Church in Dallas on December 29, 2024, without awaiting formal release from his canonical duties.
As a result, the diocesan authorities suspended him, citing the provisions of Canon 1394 S1.
A formal “Decree of Suspension” was issued on January 16, 2025, and signed by Bishop Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido and Chancellor/Notary Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo.
The statement highlighted that Fr. Oghenerukevwe’s actions had incurred a “Latae Sententiae suspension,” officially prohibiting him from performing any priestly duties.
The suspension followed a widely circulated footage of the marriage, prompting the Diocese to act.
Despite Fr. Oghenerukevwe’s request on November 30, 2024, to be released from his priestly obligations, the Diocese asserted that he did not complete the necessary process, marrying without the required documentation.
Consequently, the priest is prohibited from representing himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri.
The suspension took effect immediately in accordance with Canon 1333, although Fr. Oghenerukevwe retains the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of the decree, should he demonstrate a willingness to reform.
In an emotional social media post, the priest’s sister, Mary Okanatotor, shed light on the reasons behind his decision.
She revealed that her brother had long struggled with mental health issues, with loneliness being a significant factor in his decision to marry.
She explained that the family was not physically present to support him during his challenging moments.
Mary expressed her belief that marrying was the best decision for Fr. Oghenerukevwe, saying, “Thank you all for the comments, the said priest is my brother and 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 further clarified that the marriage was not secret, as her brother had informed the Diocese of his decision.
She expressed heartfelt message of gratitude for the support her family has received, adding, “This is a trying time for our family, but he who finds a wife finds a good thing.”
Fr. Oghenerukevwe, originally from a community in Ewu Kingdom, Delta State, was ordained a priest on June 21, 2008, within the Catholic Diocese of Warri.
