Dora Chichah, wife of Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, a suspended Catholic priest from the Diocese of Warri, Delta State, has shared the story of their union amidst ongoing controversy surrounding their marriage.
The Diocese of Warri suspended Oghenerukevwe for allegedly contracting a secret marriage in the United States without completing the canonical process to be released from his priestly vows.
In a statement, the Diocese explained that the priest had requested a release from his priestly obligations on November 30, 2024. However, the Diocese said it had asked him to provide the necessary documentation to process the request, but he proceeded to marry without completing the procedure.
Photos of the couple’s wedding, held in Dallas, Texas, have since circulated widely online.
Speaking during a testimony session at Pastor Jerry Eze’s *Streams of Joy International Church* in Dallas, Dora, a single mother of three, detailed her journey to finding love.
“What God cannot do does not exist,” Dora declared. “I have been on this altar since 2020, believing God for a life partner. I prayed for over nine years for divine settlement.”
In her testimony, Dora recounted how she felt led to relocate to Dallas, Texas, in 2024, where she reconnected with Daniel, someone she knew from her hometown.
“He told me stories about how he had been praying for four years for discernment in his vocation. In my own case, I had been praying too,” Dora shared, adding that Daniel had fasted for three months seeking divine direction.
Dora said their relationship progressed quickly. Within three months, they completed marriage counseling, followed by a traditional wedding, a court ceremony, and a church wedding at Streams of Joy, Dallas.
While Dora did not address her husband’s status as a Catholic priest, photos from their wedding, featured in the testimony video, confirmed their union.
In defense of her brother, a woman identified as Mary Okanatotor, claimed the marriage was not a secret.
“He did not do a secret marriage as he wrote to the Diocese to inform them of his decision,” Mary stated in a social media post.
The Diocese of Warri maintained that Oghenerukevwe’s marriage violated canonical law, as he had not been formally released from his priestly vows.
The case has sparked mixed reactions within the Catholic community and beyond, with debates over priestly celibacy and the processes surrounding clerical resignation.
