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Nigerian Catholic Priest Suspended from Priesthood after Entering into Marriage without Dispensation

Bishop Anthony Ovayero Ewherido (right) suspends Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from the exercise of all sacred ministry following his recent marriage in the United States.

The Catholic Diocese of Warri has relieved Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from the exercise of all sacred ministry following his recent marriage in the United States, an action the Bishop says is contrary to the clerical state according to Canon Law.

In a statement issued on January 16, the Local Ordinary of Warri Diocese, Bishop Anthony Ovayero Ewherido provides details on the decision to suspend Fr. Oghenerukevwe.

“On November 30, 2024, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, who has been out of active ministry and without any official assignment in the United States of America, contacted me with a request to be released from all canonical obligations and responsibilities associated with Holy Orders within the Roman Catholic Church,” Bishop Ewherido says.

He adds, “The Diocese of Warri reached out to Fr. Oghenerukevwe, requesting the submission of documents required to initiate the process. 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 has 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, 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 Nigerian Catholic Bishop says.

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The decree prohibits Fr. Oghenerukevwe from presenting himself as a Priest in any capacity within the Diocese of Warri. 

“All canonical implications associated with this suspension take immediate effect (cf. Can. 1333). He retains the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of this decree in accordance with Canon 1734 §1 whenever he demonstrates a willingness to reform,” Bishop Ewherido says.

He implores, “May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation.”

In a Facebook post, Fr. Kelvin Ugwu provides clarification on the suspension of Fr. Oghenerukevwe.

“In fairness to Fr Daniel Oghenerukevwe, he did not secretly get married, it was publicly done.  The suspended Priest in question had earlier expressed his intentions to leave the Catholic priesthood,” Fr. Ugwu says in the January 19 post.

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He adds, “What we may consider as the issue here is that he was not patient for the process which he had already initiated to be concluded before going ahead to wed his lover, Dora Chichah.”

“The most honorable thing that Daniel would have done would have been to ensure he was Laicized and also freed from his vows of celibacy before going into this marriage,” Fr. Ugwu says. 

He adds, “It may take time, but if it takes 9 years for him to be ordained, what is there in waiting for a few months for the process to be complete? After all, you will be married. Why the rush?”

The Nigerian member of the Missionary Society of St. Paul (MSP) outlined the procedure for laicization.

He says the Priest submits a request; the (vice)provincial superior investigates; the superior general (Bishop) and consultors approve; the procurator general prepares a dossier; the Vatican Congregation grants approval; the Pope personally dispenses the Priest; and the (vice)provincial superior informs the priest and receives his acknowledgment.

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“Daniel Oghenerukevwe knew of it and already started the process to be laicized, but as the process was still on, he went on to wed his lover,” Fr. Ugwu says. 

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.