Catholic priest addresses controversy surrounding suspension of a priest over secret marriage

Nigerian priest Rev. Fr. Kelvin Ugwu, based in The Gambia, has addressed the controversy surrounding the suspension of a Catholic priest, Father Daniel Oghenerukevwe, over his recent marriage in the United States.

Contrary to reports suggesting a “secret marriage,” Fr. Ugwu clarified that the wedding was public, urging caution against misleading headlines.

In a detailed post on Facebook, Fr. Ugwu explained that Father Oghenerukevwe had previously expressed his desire to leave the Catholic priesthood and had initiated the laicization process — a formal procedure for a priest to return to lay status. However, he noted that the suspended priest did not wait for the process to be completed before tying the knot, leading to disciplinary action under Canon law.

“No one is forced to remain a priest,” Fr. Ugwu stated, emphasizing that laicization involves multiple steps, including a formal request, investigation, approval from the priest’s superior, and final confirmation by the Pope. Despite being laicized, a priest retains his priestly character but is no longer authorized to function in clerical duties.

According to Canon law, any cleric who enters into marriage, even a civil union, without proper authorization faces immediate suspension. Father Oghenerukevwe’s failure to wait for the conclusion of the laicization process resulted in his suspension from priestly duties.

Fr. Ugwu concluded by asserting that while leaving the priesthood is a personal choice, adhering to the established process is crucial. He suggested that Father Oghenerukevwe’s decision to proceed with marriage prematurely was ill-advised, stating that patience and respect for church protocols would have been the most honorable path.