By Bukola Kayode
Following a flood of videos online which caused a stir, the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Delta State has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from priestly duties.
Father Okanatortor allegedly wedded in the United States of America.
His suspension was announced in a statement titled ‘Decree of Suspension’, dated Thursday, January 16, 2025, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Sunday.
The statement which was jointly signed by the Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo alleged that “Fr. Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA.”
“By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 S1, and 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 in part.
TFr. Oghenerukevwe had requested on November 30, 2024, to be released from all canonical obligations associated with Holy Orders as revealed by the church.
In response, the Diocese said it reached out to him, “asking for the required documents to begin the process, but the priest went on to marry without completing the procedure.
“As such, 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).
“May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation,” the statement further read.
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