The Catholic Diocese of Warri has been rocked by controversy following the suspension of Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, a priest accused of secretly getting married in the United States. The shocking development, confirmed by the Bishop of the Warri Diocese, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ewherido, has sparked mixed reactions among the faithful and the wider public.
The suspension, announced in a formal decree, comes after a video surfaced online showing the priest exchanging marital vows with Ms. Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, Texas, on December 29, 2024. The video ignited a storm of criticism and disbelief, especially as Catholic priests are bound by a vow of celibacy under the Church’s canon law.
According to Bishop Ewherido, Rev. Fr. Oghenerukevwe had earlier made contact with the diocese, requesting to be released from his canonical obligations. “On November 30, 2024, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, who has been out of active ministry and without any official assignment in the United States of America, contacted me with a request to be released from all canonical obligations and responsibilities associated with Holy Orders within the Roman Catholic Church,” the Bishop stated.
The Church’s decision to suspend him, however, was triggered by the viral marriage video that surfaced barely a month later. The suspension decree emphasized the priest’s disregard for proper procedures and the vow of celibacy, which he swore to uphold at his ordination.
The Church’s suspension of Rev. Fr. Oghenerukevwe has opened a broader conversation about the challenges faced by clergy serving abroad. Sources within the diocese revealed that the priest had been living in the United States for an extended period, during which he had no official Church assignments. It remains unclear what prompted his request to leave the priesthood and his eventual decision to marry, but his actions have raised concerns about accountability among clergy stationed overseas.
“This is not just about breaking celibacy; it’s about betrayal of trust,” said a senior diocesan official who wished to remain anonymous. “A priest represents the Church and Christ, and to see him not only abandon that calling but also act in a way that defies Church teachings is heartbreaking.”
Under canon law, Catholic priests are expected to live a life of celibacy, a vow taken during ordination that signifies their full commitment to the Church and its teachings. Requests to leave the priesthood are rare and typically involve a lengthy process, including approvals from the local bishop and the Vatican.
Rev. Fr. Oghenerukevwe’s decision to proceed with his marriage without waiting for an official dispensation is viewed as a serious violation. Bishop Ewherido underscored the gravity of the situation, explaining that the diocese had no choice but to suspend the priest immediately. “The decision to suspend him was necessary to preserve the sanctity of the priesthood and uphold the Church’s teachings,” the Bishop’s decree read.
News of the suspension has sparked a wave of reactions across Nigeria and among Catholics worldwide. Social media platforms have been awash with debates over the incident, with some condemning the priest’s actions as a betrayal of his vows, while others expressed sympathy, citing the personal struggles faced by clergy.
“Priests are human too,” wrote one Facebook user. “We don’t know the kind of pressure he might have been under. It’s easy to judge, but let’s remember that he is also a child of God.”
Others were less forgiving, arguing that the priest should have respected the Church’s rules or left the priesthood formally before entering marriage. “He had a choice to leave the right way,” another commenter wrote. “What he did was deceptive and disrespectful to the Church and its faithful.”
The Catholic Church’s requirement for priestly celibacy has long been a point of contention, even among Catholics. While the rule has been in place for centuries, it has faced growing scrutiny, particularly in regions where clergy numbers are declining. Some argue that the rule places undue strain on priests, especially those serving in foreign countries or isolated communities.
However, the Church has consistently defended celibacy as a vital aspect of priestly life, symbolizing a priest’s complete dedication to God and the Church. Pope Francis, while acknowledging the challenges posed by celibacy, has reiterated its importance, though he has opened the door to limited exceptions in specific contexts.
The suspension of Rev. Fr. Oghenerukevwe is not a permanent expulsion from the priesthood but a disciplinary action that restricts him from performing any clerical duties. It remains uncertain whether he will pursue a formal laicization process, which would allow him to leave the priesthood officially.
For now, the diocese has called for prayers for both the priest and the Church. “This is a painful moment for all of us,” Bishop Ewherido said. “We ask for prayers for Rev. Fr. Oghenerukevwe and for the diocese as we navigate this difficult time.”
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the human frailty within the clergy and the immense responsibilities that come with priestly life. As the Catholic Church in Nigeria grapples with this scandal, many are left to ponder the complexities of faith, duty, and personal choice.
