The Catholic Diocese of Warri stated that it has suspended Rev. Fr.
Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from priestly duties due to his
involvement in a marriage ceremony in the United States. According to
the Diocese, the suspension stems from his contravention of Canon Law,
which strictly prohibits priests from entering into matrimony. The
announcement was made in a formal statement titled "Decree of
Suspension," dated January 16, 2025, and made available to journalists
in Warri.
The statement, signed by the Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, revealed that Fr. Oghenerukevwe married Ms. Dora Chichah on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA. The decision to suspend the priest followed the circulation of video footage of the wedding on social media, prompting the Diocese to take immediate action.
By entering into marriage, Fr. Oghenerukevwe automatically incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension under Canon 1394 Section 1, which is invoked when a cleric enters into matrimony without proper dispensation. In response, Bishop Ewherido officially decreed his suspension from all sacred ministries. The Diocese emphasized that the priest is now barred from presenting himself in any capacity as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, and all canonical consequences associated with the suspension are effective immediately, referencing Canon 1333.
The Diocese further disclosed that Fr. Oghenerukevwe had, on November 30, 2024, requested to be released from his clerical obligations. However, he proceeded with the marriage without completing the necessary canonical procedures or providing the required documentation to begin the process formally. This disregard for ecclesiastical protocol violated his priestly commitments and expedited his suspension.
Despite the severity of the action, the Diocese affirmed that Fr. Oghenerukevwe retains the right to petition for a review or amendment of the decree. However, any appeal must be accompanied by a demonstrable willingness to reform. The Diocese expressed hope for his spiritual reflection and eventual reconciliation with the Church. In a final note of pastoral care, the statement conveyed prayers that God would guide him toward a path of understanding and penance.
This incident has sparked discussions among the faithful about clerical celibacy and the stringent rules that govern priestly life within the Catholic Church. The Church’s firm stance on celibacy is rooted in centuries of tradition and canon law, underscoring the commitment of priests to their vocation. The case of Fr. Oghenerukevwe highlights the potential consequences when priests deviate from these established tenets.
As the matter unfolds, observers anticipate whether Fr. Oghenerukevwe will seek to reconcile with the Church or embrace a new path outside the priesthood. The Catholic Diocese of Warri remains steadfast in upholding its doctrinal principles while offering a pathway for repentance and spiritual restoration.
The statement, signed by the Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, revealed that Fr. Oghenerukevwe married Ms. Dora Chichah on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA. The decision to suspend the priest followed the circulation of video footage of the wedding on social media, prompting the Diocese to take immediate action.
By entering into marriage, Fr. Oghenerukevwe automatically incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension under Canon 1394 Section 1, which is invoked when a cleric enters into matrimony without proper dispensation. In response, Bishop Ewherido officially decreed his suspension from all sacred ministries. The Diocese emphasized that the priest is now barred from presenting himself in any capacity as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, and all canonical consequences associated with the suspension are effective immediately, referencing Canon 1333.
The Diocese further disclosed that Fr. Oghenerukevwe had, on November 30, 2024, requested to be released from his clerical obligations. However, he proceeded with the marriage without completing the necessary canonical procedures or providing the required documentation to begin the process formally. This disregard for ecclesiastical protocol violated his priestly commitments and expedited his suspension.
Despite the severity of the action, the Diocese affirmed that Fr. Oghenerukevwe retains the right to petition for a review or amendment of the decree. However, any appeal must be accompanied by a demonstrable willingness to reform. The Diocese expressed hope for his spiritual reflection and eventual reconciliation with the Church. In a final note of pastoral care, the statement conveyed prayers that God would guide him toward a path of understanding and penance.
This incident has sparked discussions among the faithful about clerical celibacy and the stringent rules that govern priestly life within the Catholic Church. The Church’s firm stance on celibacy is rooted in centuries of tradition and canon law, underscoring the commitment of priests to their vocation. The case of Fr. Oghenerukevwe highlights the potential consequences when priests deviate from these established tenets.
As the matter unfolds, observers anticipate whether Fr. Oghenerukevwe will seek to reconcile with the Church or embrace a new path outside the priesthood. The Catholic Diocese of Warri remains steadfast in upholding its doctrinal principles while offering a pathway for repentance and spiritual restoration.
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