The Catholic Diocese of Warri, Delta State has suspended a Priest, Daniel Oghenerukevwe, for allegedly getting married in the United States of America, and equally barred him from performing canonical obligations of the church.
Penpushing reports that the Diocesan Bishop, Anthony Ewherido and Chancellor, Clement Abobo made this known in a statement dated January 16, 2025, however, said the priest retains the right to petition for the revocation of his suspension but must show willingness to reform.
The statement argued that the suspended priest had been out of active ministry and without any official assignment in the United States of America (USA), recalling that the priest, contacted the Bishop on November 30, 2024, requesting to be released from canonical obligations of the church.
Penpushing further reports that the statement stated that the diocese reverted to him, asking him (the priest) to submit documents required to initiate the process, but said in contrary, the priest on December 29, 2024 entered into a marriage.
The Catholic Diocese in the statement said the marriage footage has been widely circulated on social media including Facebook, stressing that by the priest action has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 S1
“However, on 29 December 2024, Fr, Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA. By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 S1, and I, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, do hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry.”
Penpushing also reports that the statement emphasized that as a result, the diocese has barred the suspended priest from functioning as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in any capacity, stressing that all canonical implications associated with this suspension take immediate effect.
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