Dora Chichah, the woman who recently married Catholic priest Fr. Daniel Oghenerukevwe from the Diocese of Warri, has shared the story of how she met her husband and the faith-driven journey that led to their marriage.
Their union has sparked controversy, particularly after the Diocese suspended Fr. Oghenerukevwe for marrying without completing the necessary canonical processes to be released from his priestly vows.
Fr. Oghenerukevwe, who was arrested for not following the correct procedure before his marriage, had submitted a request to be released from his holy orders on November 30, 2024.
However, the Diocese claimed that he went ahead with the marriage without providing the required documentation.
He married Dora in Dallas, Texas, and photos from the ceremony have quickly gone viral, further fueling public interest in the story.
During a live testimony at Pastor Jerry Eze’s Streams of Joy International Church in Dallas, Dora spoke about her nine-year wait for a life partner and her faith in God. She shared how she had been praying for over nine years for divine intervention and a future husband.
“What God cannot do does not exist. We dey pray, e dey show,” Dora testified. She went on to say that she had long believed that God would eventually bless her with a partner.
Dora explained that her prayers became more focused in 2020 when she began attending services at the Streams of Joy church.
She recalled how Pastor Jerry Eze prophesied that she would soon find her life partner. “In 2024, I heard God clearly to relocate from where I was to Dallas, Texas,” Dora added, speaking of the pivotal moment in her life.
After relocating, she reconnected with Fr. Oghenerukevwe, someone she had known growing up, and the two quickly developed a close relationship.
In just three months, Dora and Fr. Oghenerukevwe underwent marriage counseling, had a traditional wedding, and completed the civil and church ceremonies in Dallas.
The whirlwind romance, which has captured the attention of many, took place amidst growing controversy over Fr. Oghenerukevwe’s suspension from the Diocese.
Dora’s marriage to Fr. Oghenerukevwe has been defended by Mary Okanatotor, the priest’s biological sister, who took to social media to express support for the union.
“He did not do a secret marriage. He wrote to the Diocese to inform them of his decision,” she stated, emphasizing that the marriage was a decision made with the full knowledge of his family.
Despite the public scrutiny, Dora continues to stand by her belief that her marriage is part of a divine plan. She believes that her prayers and faith have brought her to this moment.
“The Lord has shown me mercy,” she declared, recounting her journey from being a single mother of three to finding love with a man who, like her, had been seeking divine guidance.