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Jan
Jan
CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF WARRI SUSPENDS PRIEST FOR SECRET MARRIAGE IN US
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Nicolas Adekeye / 3 days
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- 2 min read
The Catholic Diocese of Warri has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from the priesthood following his secret marriage in the United States. The suspension was made known in a statement titled ‘Decree of Suspension’, dated January 16, 2025, and jointly signed by Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido and Chancellor/Notary Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo. According to the statement, Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA, on December 29, 2024. The footage of the marriage had been widely circulated on social media. “By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 §1,” the statement said. Bishop Ewherido officially decreed that Oghenerukevwe is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry. “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,” the statement added. The Diocese of Warri had earlier reached out to Oghenerukevwe, requesting the submission of documents required to initiate the process of releasing him from his canonical obligations. However, he went ahead to get married before the process was completed. The statement concluded by saying, “May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation.”