By Didimoko A. Didimoko
Dora Chichah, wife of Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, a Catholic priest recently suspended by the Diocese of Warri, has publicly shared how she met her husband. Oghenerukevwe was suspended by the Diocese after allegedly entering into a secret marriage in the United States without following the necessary procedures to be formally released from his priestly vows.
In a statement, the Diocese clarified that while Oghenerukevwe had requested to be freed from his canonical obligations on November 30, 2024, he married before completing the required steps.
The Diocese further explained that they had reached out to him, requesting the necessary documentation to begin the release process, but he proceeded with the marriage without formal approval.
The wedding, which took place in Dallas, Texas, recently gained attention when photos of the ceremony went viral on social media. During a live testimony at Pastor Jerry Eze’s Streams of Joy International Church in Dallas, Dora shared the story of her journey to meeting and marrying Daniel.
In a video reposted by Fr. Kelvin Ugwu, a Catholic missionary priest, Dora introduced herself as a single mother of three who had been praying for a life partner for over nine years. She recounted her faith journey and the support she received from Pastor Jerry Eze’s ministry.
“I have been on this altar since 2020, believing in God for a life partner. I’m a single mother of three, and I have been praying for over nine years for divine settlement,” Dora shared.
“What God cannot do does not exist. I kept praying, believing that God would settle me.”
She described how in July 2021, Pastor Jerry told her, “The Lord has heard you… He is your salvation, and in your waiting time, He will build your character.” Dora expressed how she continued to pray and believe in God’s timing, even as Pastor Jerry declared blessings for women in their 30s and 40s, urging them to receive their husbands.
Photo: Pst Jerry Eze prayed for single mother
Dora spoke of how, in 2024, she felt called to relocate to Dallas. Once there, she reconnected with Daniel, whom she had known from her childhood. They exchanged contact details and began discussing their spiritual journeys. Daniel shared that he had spent four years praying and fasting for clarity on his vocation, while Dora also spoke of her spiritual longing.
Their relationship progressed quickly, and within three months, they had completed marriage counselling, held a traditional wedding, and even formalized their union with a court marriage before hosting a white wedding ceremony at Streams of Joy in Dallas.
While Dora did not directly address Daniel’s status as a Catholic priest during her testimony, the video, which has circulated widely, included pictures of the couple from their wedding.
In a social media post, a woman identifying herself as Mary Okanatotor, Daniel’s biological sister, defended the marriage, asserting that it was a positive step for her brother. She stated that Daniel had informed the Diocese of his decision to marry and had not hidden his intentions.
“He did not conduct a secret marriage. He informed the Diocese, and this was the best decision for him,” she wrote.
The suspension of Oghenerukevwe has raised questions about the procedures for priests seeking to marry after taking vows of celibacy, with the Diocese of Warri emphasizing the importance of following canonical processes. As the situation continues to unfold, both Dora and Daniel have found support from their immediate community while navigating the implications of their union.
