Aboard the papal plane, 21 January, 2025 / 9:26 pm (ACI Africa).
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.