A recent controversy involving Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has taken a new turn, as fresh information indicates that the suspended priest did not secretly marry in the United States but conducted a public wedding ceremony. According to Catholic missionary priest, Fr. Kelvin Ugwu, the embattled clergyman had earlier expressed his wish to resign from priestly duties.
Oghenerukevwe was recently suspended by the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Delta State, following his decision to wed his partner, identified as Dora Chichah. However, Fr. Kelvin clarified via his official Facebook page that Oghenerukevwe’s marriage was not hidden, contradicting reports describing it as a “secret wedding.”
Fr. Kelvin noted that while the priest had initiated the resignation (laicization) process, he did not wait for its conclusion before proceeding with the wedding. This, according to church authorities, is a breach of the prescribed procedures governing priestly departures. “No one is forced to be a priest,” Fr. Kelvin stated, emphasizing that there are laid-down protocols for clergymen wishing to leave the vocation.
The revelation has stirred public debate about the timing of Oghenerukevwe’s wedding and the church’s stance on priests who choose to relinquish their ordination. Church officials have yet to comment on whether the priest’s laicization request will be finalized after the marriage or if further disciplinary action could follow.
