The Catholic Diocese of Warri has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from the priesthood after he got married in secret in the United States. According to reports, Fr. Daniel had been dating Ms. Dora, and when she pressured him to either marry her or end the relationship, he chose to tie the knot .
The wedding took place in Dallas, USA, on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church. Following the ceremony, Fr. Daniel wrote to the Catholic Diocese of Warri, requesting to be released from his duties and obligations as a priest .
The Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, has since granted Fr. Daniel’s request, suspending him from the exercise of sacred ministry and prohibiting him from presenting himself as a priest of the Catholic Church.
It’s worth noting that Fr. Daniel’s actions are seen as a violation of the Catholic Church’s doctrine of clerical celibacy, which requires priests to remain unmarried. The suspension is in line with the Church’s laws, specifically Canon 1394 .
