Catholic bishop suspends Warri diocese priest over ‘secret wedding’ with partner in US

Anthony Ewherido, the Catholic bishop of the Warri diocese, says Daniel Oghenerukevwe, a priest, has been suspended over a secret wedding with his partner in the US.

Oghenerukevwe reportedly dumped his priesthood and married Dora Chichah, his girlfriend, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, on December 29, 2024.

A statement signed by the bishop and Clement Abobo, chancellor/notary of the diocese, said the priest had been out of active ministry before his current action.

“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,” the statement reads.

The statement said the diocese had asked Oghenerukevwe to submit required documents but went on with his marriage without going through the due process.

The church added that after Oghenerukevwe’s suspension, he is prohibited from presenting himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in any capacity.

“The diocese of Warri reached out to Fr. Oghenerukevwe, requesting the submission of documents required to initiate the process,” Ewherido said.

“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.

“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.

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