Suspended Warri Priest Marries in Dallas, Sparks Controversy
By Femi Oyewale
Dallas, USA — Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, a priest formerly of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, has renounced his celibacy vows to marry his partner, Dora Chichah, in Dallas, United States. The matrimonial ceremony took place at the Stream of Joy Church on December 29, 2024, before the priest had been formally released from his canonical obligations.
In response, the Diocese of Warri issued a suspension decree on January 16, 2025, signed by Bishop Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido and Chancellor Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo. The decree stated that Fr. Oghenerukevwe’s actions had incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension under Canon 1394 S1, barring him from exercising sacred ministry.
“By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 S1, 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 statement read.
The Diocese explained that while Fr. Oghenerukevwe had submitted a request on November 30, 2024, to be released from his priestly obligations, he failed to complete the required procedures before his marriage. A widely circulated video of the wedding reportedly prompted the Diocese to act swiftly.
“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 also noted that Fr. Oghenerukevwe retains the right to petition for revocation or amendment of the decree but must show a willingness to reform.
Family Cites Loneliness and Mental Health Struggles
Mary Okanatotor, the priest’s sister, has defended her brother’s decision, citing long-standing mental health challenges and loneliness as major factors. Writing on social media, she said, “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.”
She added that the family was not physically present to support Fr. Oghenerukevwe during his struggles. “This is a trying time for our family, but he who finds a wife finds a good thing,” she wrote, expressing gratitude for words of encouragement from supporters.
Mary also clarified that her brother had informed the Diocese of his intentions. “He did not do a secret marriage as he wrote to the Diocese to inform them of his decision,” she said.
Background of the Priest
Ordained on June 21, 2008, Fr. Oghenerukevwe hails from a community in Ewu Kingdom, Delta State, Nigeria. Despite his significant contributions to the Catholic Church, his decision to leave the priesthood and marry has sparked widespread reactions, highlighting the challenges faced by clergy members.
The Diocese’s statement concluded with a prayer for reconciliation: “May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation.”