Dora Chichah, wife of suspended Catholic priest Rev Fr Daniel Oghenerukevwe, said faith played a critical role in their union.
Arogidigba Global Journal reports that Rev Oghenerukevwe, from the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Delta State, was suspended after entering into a marriage in Dallas, Texas, without completing the formal canonical process to be released from his priestly vows.
According to the diocese, while the priest formally requested release from Holy Orders on November 30, 2024, he failed to provide the required documents before proceeding with the marriage. Photos from the wedding quickly went viral.
Speaking from Dallas, Texas, US, in a live testimony session at Pastor Jerry Eze’s Streams of Joy International Church, Dora recounted her journey of faith and prayer that led her to meet Daniel.
Catholic missionary priest, Fr Kelvin Ugwu, reposted the video of Dora’s testimony recently on Facebook.
The single mother of three described praying for over nine years for a life partner, adding that she joined the church in 2020.
“In July 2021, Pastor Jerry said the Lord has heard you; he said the Lord allowed all that has happened happen to take you to your wealthy place. He is your salvation. In your waiting time, He will build your character,” she testified.
She disclosed how Eze’s prophetic declarations encouraged her over the years, especially when he spoke to women praying for marriage.
“In 2024, I heard God clearly to relocate from where I was to Dallas, Texas.
“He told me stories about how he has been praying for four years for discernment in his vocation. And in my own case, I had been praying too. He said he had been fasting for three months, asking God to give him the woman for him,” Dora revealed.
Within three months, the couple went through marriage counselling, followed by a traditional wedding, a court marriage and a white wedding at Streams of Joy Church.
Dora’s testimony did not address Daniel’s priesthood status, but the video featured photos of their wedding. Meanwhile, a woman claiming to be Daniel’s biological sister, Mary Okanatotor, defended the marriage on social media.