The Catholic Church in Warri has announced that one of its priests, Father Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, has been suspended because he got married. According to church rules, Catholic priests are not allowed to marry.
The Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, said Father Daniel is no longer allowed to act as a priest or represent the church in any way. This decision came after a video of Father Daniel’s wedding to a woman named Ms. Dora Chichah was shared widely on social media. The wedding happened at a church in Dallas, USA, on December 29, 2024.
Before getting married, Father Daniel had contacted the Bishop on November 30, 2024, asking to be released from his duties as a priest. However, the church says he didn’t complete the process before going ahead with the marriage.
In the Catholic Church, there is a rule called “Latae Sententiae,” which means a person is automatically punished if they break certain rules. Because Father Daniel got married, he was automatically suspended according to these rules.
The Bishop said he hopes Father Daniel will reflect on his actions and seek reconciliation with the church in the future.