Mary Okanatotor, the sister of suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe of the Catholic Church of Warri Diocese, has supported her brother's decision to get married.

MyNigeria learnt that Oghenerukevwe dumped his celibacy vows by tying the matrimonial knot with his wife, Dora Chichah, at the Stream of Joy Church in Dallas, USA, on December 29, 2024.

Reacting, the Catholic Church authorities immediately issued a suspension to the priest for getting married without being relieved of his duty.

In a statement, the authorities said, “By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 S1”.

The statement which was titled ‘Decree of Suspension,’ and dated Thursday, January 16, 2025, was jointly signed by the Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ewherido, and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo,

Reacting, Oghenerukevwe's sister said he couldn't deal with loneliness, hence his decision to get married.

She wrote on social media, “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 award you accordingly.”