Mary Okanatotor, the sister of Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, a suspended priest from the Catholic Diocese of Warri, shed light on his brother action.
The priest renounced his priestly vocation and celibacy vows to marry his partner, Dora Chichah in Dallas, United States.
The wedding held at Stream of Joy Church on December 29, 2024 was done without the Church releasing him from his canonical obligations.
So the Diocese suspended him from priestly duties.
The church made the suspension known in a statement titled Decree of Suspension and dated January 16, 2025 and signed by the Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo.
The statement quoted Canon 1394 S1 of the Catholic Church which states that entering into marriage incurs an automatic suspension known as Latae Sententiae.
The church further stated that Fr. Oghenerukevwe’s action was a breach of his priestly duties. Despite his request on November 30, 2024 to be released from these obligations he did not complete the necessary procedures.
The video of the marriage which went viral on social media prompted swift action from the church authorities.
The Diocese said Fr. Oghenerukevwe is no longer allowed to present himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri. He is forbidden from sacred ministry and the suspension takes immediate effect as per Canon 1333.
But the Diocese hopes for reconciliation, he has the right to appeal the decree but must show genuine repentance and willingness to reform.
In a statement the Bishop of Warri said, “May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation.”
More details emerged about the suspended priest’s decision to leave the priesthood. His sister wrote on social media that his mental health and feelings of loneliness was the reason.
According to her the family could not physically be there for him during his trying moments which made his struggles worse.
She wrote, “The said priest is my brother and it was the best decision for him. He has been suffering from mental health issues for a long time and couldn’t handle the loneliness. This is a trying time for our family but he who finds a wife finds a good thing. He didn’t keep this decision secret; he wrote to the Diocese to inform them.”
Mary also thanked those who commented and asked for prayers for her brother and family.
Fr. Oghenerukevwe is from Ewu Kingdom in Delta State and was ordained a priest on June 21, 2008. His decision to leave priesthood for marriage has raised questions on celibacy, mental health and support within religious communities.