Why a Suspended Delta Catholic Priest Left Priesthood for Marriage – Sister Explains
The suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe of the Catholic Diocese of Warri has renounced his priestly calling and celibacy vows to marry his partner in Dallas, United States.
This revelation was made public on Sunday evening, according to DworldGist.
Fr. Oghenerukevwe entered into matrimony with his wife, Dora Chichah, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas on December 29, 2024.
However, he proceeded with the marriage before being formally released from his canonical obligations, a step required by the universal Catholic Church.
Church’s Response and Suspension
Following his actions, the Diocesan authorities of the Warri Diocese issued a Latae Sententiae suspension, citing Canon 1394 S1, which addresses clerics entering into marriage without proper dispensation.
In a statement titled “Decree of Suspension” dated January 16, 2025, and signed by Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, and Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, Chancellor/Notary, the Diocese officially suspended Fr. Oghenerukevwe from exercising any sacred ministry.
The statement read in part:
“By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 S1… he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry effective immediately.”
The Diocese revealed that although Fr. Oghenerukevwe had formally requested release from his canonical obligations on November 30, 2024, the process was incomplete when he married.
The Diocese noted that it had reached out to the priest, requesting the necessary documents to begin the release procedure, but he went ahead with the marriage before the process was finalized.
The statement emphasized that the suspension prohibits him from presenting himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri and affirmed that all canonical implications associated with the suspension were in effect (cf. Can. 1333).
Social Media Footage and Family Perspective
The priest’s marriage became widely known after footage of the ceremony circulated on social media, prompting swift action by the church.
Additional details emerged when Mary Okanatotor, a woman identifying herself as the biological sister of Fr. Oghenerukevwe, publicly defended his decision.
In a social media comment, Mary revealed that her brother’s mental health struggles and feelings of loneliness as a priest were significant factors in his decision to leave the priesthood.
She wrote:
“The said priest is my brother, and it was the best decision for him because he had long battled mental health challenges and could not handle the loneliness associated with priesthood. We, his family members, were not physically present to support him during his difficult moments.”
Mary further explained that Fr. Oghenerukevwe had informed the Diocese of his decision before proceeding with the marriage, refuting claims of secrecy. She expressed gratitude to well-wishers for their support and asked for understanding during this trying time for the family.
“This is a trying time for our family, but he who finds a wife finds a good thing. Once again, thank you. To the sponsor of this post, may God bless you and reward you accordingly,” she concluded.
Background of Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe
Fr. Oghenerukevwe hails from a community in the Ewu Kingdom of Delta State. He was ordained into the Catholic Diocese of Warri on June 21, 2008, and served the church faithfully for many years before his decision to leave the priesthood.
Church’s Position and Path to Reconciliation
The Diocese noted that while Fr. Oghenerukevwe retains the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of the suspension decree, he must demonstrate a willingness to reform. The statement concluded with a prayerful message:
“May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation.”
The case of Fr. Oghenerukevwe has sparked discussions within the religious community about the challenges of celibacy and the mental health of priests. It also highlights the importance of support systems for clergy members navigating the complexities of their vocation.