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Why Suspended Delta Catholic Priest Dumped Priesthood For Marriage – Sister

Published

9 months ago

January 21, 2025

The suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe of the Catholic Church of Warri Diocese, actually dumped his celibacy vows and renounced his priestly calling to marry his heartthrob in Dallas, United States of America, PUNCH Metro gathered on Sunday evening.

The priest tied the matrimonial knot with his wife, Dora Chichah, at the Stream of Joy Church in Dallas, USA on December 29, 2024, without waiting to be released from his canonical obligations and responsibility by the universal Church.

Consequently, the church Diocesan authorities suspended him from priestly duties noting that “by this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 S1.”

The suspension, which was contained in a statement titled, ‘Decree of Suspension’, dated, Thursday, January 16, 2025, jointly signed by the Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo had alleged that “Fr. Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah on December 29, 2024, 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,” the statement partly read.

“A footage of the marriage reportedly circulated widely on social media had, in addition, prompted the church to act.

According to the Diocese, even though Fr. Oghenerukevwe had requested on November 30, 2024, to be released from all canonical obligations associated with Holy Orders, the Diocese affirmed that it “reached out to him, asking for the required documents to begin the process, but the priest went on to marry without completing the procedure”.

“As such, he is prohibited from presenting himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in any capacity. All canonical implications associated with this suspension take immediate effect (cf. Can. 1333),” the Church statement posited.

The Diocese, however, remarked that “Fr. Oghenerukevwe retains the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of the decree but must demonstrate a willingness to reform.”

“May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation,” the statement concluded.

But more details emerged on Sunday evening on why the now suspended Catholic priest, Rev Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, dumped his celibacy vows and renounced his priestly calling to marry his heartthrob in Dallas, USA.

Mary, in a social media comment over the reports that her brother (Fr Oghenerukevwe) secretly married her partner in America, attributed his decision to “loneliness.”

She disclosed that Fr. Oghenerukevwe suffered from mental health for a long time and could not handle the “loneliness” as a priest.

She added that the family was not physically present to support the priest when he was undergoing difficult challenges.

She wrote, “Thank you all for the comments, the said priest is my brother and it was the best decision for him because he had a lot of issues with his mental health for a long time and couldn’t deal with the loneliness.

“We, his family members, are not with him to give him support physically. Thank you for your encouraging words.

“This is a trying time for our family, but he who finds a wife finds a good thing.

“Secondly, he did not do a secret marriage as he wrote to the Diocese to inform them of his decision.

“Once again, thank you. For the sponsor of this post, may God bless you and reward you accordingly.”

PUNCH Metro gathered that Fr. Oghenerukevwe, who hails from one of the communities in Ewu Kingdom of Delta State, was ordained as a priest on June 21, 2008, into the Catholic Diocese of Warri.

News

JUST IN: Senate Confirms Amupitan As INEC Chairman

Published

2 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

The Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The Red Chamber confirmed Amupitan after a voice vote conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and after undergoing screening and answering questions posed by the lawmakers.

Amupitan had earlier arrived at the National Assembly complex earlier, exchanged pleasantries with Senators.

He was accompanied to the chamber by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries.

At about 12:50 p.m., the nominee was ushered into the Senate chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado, and was already seated ahead of the commencement of the exercise.

Amupitan was allowed into the hallowed chamber after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved that Order 12 be set aside to allow visitors into the chamber, and he was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).

Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Amupitan, his family members, and well-wishers to the Red Chamber, commending them for their presence.

Before introducing himself to the Senators for the question and answer session to take off, Akpabio disclosed to his colleagues that the nominee had been cleared by the office of the National Security Adviser after vetting.

According to Akpabio, the office of the Department of State Services had also cleared him.

The Senate President also said that the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, having done a fingerprint search on him, cleared him and said that he had no criminal records with the police.

The screening exercise commenced at about 12:55 p.m. following Akpabio’s opening remarks, during which he outlined the procedures to be followed by the lawmakers in considering the nominee’s credentials.

The screening session focused on Amupitan’s vision for credible elections, his plans for institutional reforms within INEC, and measures to deepen the use of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Following his confirmation by the Senate, Amupitan will oversee preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and lay the groundwork for the 2027 general elections.

President Bola Tinubu had nominated Amupitan, a Professor of Law from the University of Jos, to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

The President’s letter conveying Amupitan’s nomination was read on the floor of the Senate by Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, Amupitan, is widely regarded for his expertise in constitutional and international law.

News

IPF Commends Tompolo’s Commitment To Security In Delta, Nigeria

Published

6 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has commended High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, for his remarkable commitment to improving security in Delta State, Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

In a press statement by its national president, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the IPF described Tompolo’s gesture towards Delta Security Trust Fund as a demonstration of his firm commitment to promoting peace, security, and progress in the atate, Niger Delta and Nigeria.

The group’s leadership lauded Tompolo’s philanthropic efforts, which according to them, portrayed his dedication to the well-being and prosperity of the country.

Recall that Tompolo promised continued support for the Delta State Security Trust Fund after making a handsome donation at the event held at the government house yesterday.

“The unprecedented donation and firm commitment to peace and security in the country by High Chief Tompolo are shining examples of his leadership and dedication to the development of Delta State, Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.

“We commend him for his vision and generosity, and we urge others to follow his footsteps in supporting initiatives that promote peace and security in Delta State and Niger Delta region.

“High Chief Tompolo’s support will go a long way in enhancing security measures in Delta state and contributing meaningfully to the overall development of the country,” the statement reads.

News

University Suspends Students’ Union Over Controversial ‘Gender Swap Day’

Published

8 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

The management of Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo, has suspended the Students’ Union Government (SUG) indefinitely following allegations of misconduct during the recently concluded 2025 Students’ Week celebration.

The decision came after photos and videos from the event’s controversial “Gender Swap Day” surfaced online, sparking outrage from members of the university community and the general public. The university said the activities violated its values, dress code, and moral standards.

In a statement signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Paul Bako, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the management described the incident as “regrettable and disappointing,” noting that some students’ actions were inconsistent with the institution’s core principles.

An emergency management meeting held on Monday, October 13 reviewed the incidents and blamed poor supervision and coordination by the current SUG leadership for the disorder that occurred during the week-long celebration.

As part of the resolutions reached, the SUG has been suspended indefinitely to pave the way for a complete restructuring of student leadership and representation. The university also announced plans to introduce a new framework promoting accountability, discipline, and inclusiveness among student leaders.

“Students who were involved in actions that misrepresented the university’s image will face disciplinary action,” the statement read.

“Those whose behavior involved criminal acts have been arrested and will be handed over to law enforcement for further investigation.”

In response, the SUG led by Victor Mishak Abednego, tendered an official apology to the university management, expressing regret over the embarrassment caused by the event and promising stricter adherence to university rules in future activities.

The university reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence and moral integrity, warning that such conduct will not be tolerated in any future student-organized events.