Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, a priest from the Catholic Diocese of Warri, recently left the priesthood to marry Dora Chichah in Dallas, USA. This decision led to his suspension from priestly duties, as announced by the church on January 16, 2025.
The church stated that Fr. Oghenerukevwe’s marriage on December 29, 2024, was against his vows, leading to an automatic suspension under Canon 1394 S1. The Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, confirmed this in an official statement.
A video of the wedding went viral on social media, prompting the church to act. Although Fr. Oghenerukevwe had asked to be released from his priestly obligations in November 2024, he married before completing the necessary process.
Mary Okanatotor, claiming to be Fr. Oghenerukevwe’s sister, explained that he struggled with loneliness and mental health, which influenced his decision to marry. “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.
“We, his family members, are not with him to give him support physically. Thank you for your encouraging words.
“This is a trying time for our family, but he who finds a wife finds a good thing.
“Secondly, he did not do a secret marriage as he wrote to the Diocese to inform them of his decision.
“Once again, thank you. For the sponsor of this post, may God bless you and reward you accordingly,” she said.
Fr. Oghenerukevwe was ordained on June 21, 2008, and hails from Ewu Kingdom, Delta State.
