Donatus Adaighofua Okurumeh was born in Ileowo a small village in the then Western Region (Okitipupa division) on the 22nd of April 1946 to Late Pa. Gregory Ashigor Okurumeh and Mrs. Ofigo Okurumeh of Ughwrughelli-Agbarho in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.  He was the first of nine (9) children.

Donatus attended Igodan Elementary School from 1952 to 1954. His parents relocated the family to Araromi-Obu (Ondo West Division) in 1957,  where he completed his elementary school education at the Local Authority  Primary School, in 1960. Donatus was a very brilliant student and was made the class prefect in several of his classes. As an attestation to his academic excellence, he was later made the Head Boy (Senior Prefect).  He subsequently attended St. James Modern School, Araromi-Obu (1961-1962) for his pre-secondary school education where he graduated with flying colors.

Donatus started his secondary school education at Stella Maris College Okitipupa (1963-1964) and later moved to St. Anthony Grammar School, Esure-Ijebu Mushin, Ogun-State to pursue an education in the sciences which was not offered at Stella Maris at the time. His motivation and drive for science and education were unparalleled. As such, he was made the Senior Prefect in his final year at St. Anthony’s Grammar School in 1968. Among his many achievements, he obtained his G.C.E ‘A’ Levels Certificate at St. Thomas Aquinas College, Akure (1968-1969).

After completing his A-Levels, he taught briefly at the Mid-West College in Effurun, former Bendel State now known as Delta State. Donatus’ experience as a young man significantly shaped his worldview. These prepared him for the continuous quest for excellence as he gained admission into the then Mid-West Institute of Technology, Benin-City, now known as the University of Benin, to study Medicine and Surgery in 1971. He attended  Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, for his pre-clinical training and returned to the University of Benin for the clinical part of his medical training. He excelled as a medical student and was awarded a Federal Government tuition scholarship for this part of his training. He completed his medical training in 1976 for which he was awarded a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Benin. 

Dr. Donatus Okurumeh practiced as a House Officer at the State Hospital Ado-Ekiti. While working in Ado-Ekiti,  he met his beautiful wife, Modupe Margret Okurumeh (Nee Adeparusi). They got married 16th of December, 1978 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Ado-Ekiti. They were married for more than 42 years until his death. 

Upon completion of his housemanship, he was posted to Sokoto Military Hospital, for his National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) which he completed in 1978. He returned to the State Hospital in Ado-Ekiti where he worked for 2 years until his transfer to the Government Hospital in Ikere-Ekiti. 

Dr. Okurumeh settled in Ado-Ekiti with his wife and children. He enjoyed an illustrious medical practice in government service across the several hospitals he had worked. His love for the profession was made further manifest when he established his private practice that became the acclaimed St. Gregory's Hospital, which he named in honor of his father in 1983.  The greatest joy of starting this practice was the opportunity to spend time with his wife and children who joined in the daily running of the hospital from a very young age. As a loving and dedicated father, he established a rapport with the children and shared his passion for the profession with them. This inspired two of the children to become medical practitioners and consultants in various fields of medicine. His humble, kind, and calm nature made him an enjoyable father, husband, brother, and colleague. He is known for being very supportive and disciplined. He taught these great values to his children and underlings. As an ardent educator, he was unwavering on the academic pursuit of his children, siblings, and friends.

Dr. Okurumeh’s dedication to his work and family bore fruit as the hospital grew to become one of the largest private hospitals in Ekiti State. His practice, knowledge, professionalism, and service to the community distinguished him among his peers. He was a highly revered member of the medical community, his church, and society at large. He supported many community outreach programs and mentored the younger generation of medical doctors.  He was also a highly respected employer as he developed the hospital into a multi-departmental institution that catered to most medical needs of the people in the community.

In 2016, he retired with his wife to his country home in Agbarho, Ughelli-North, Delta-State. During his retirement, he was focused on his spiritual growth, and became a Jehovah’s Witness. Dr. Okurumeh died peacefully in his sleep at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), in the company of his wife and daughter. 

Mrs Modupe Magaret Okurumeh

Mrs. Eseoghene Oduyoye 

Dr. Ogheneovo Ifedayo Okurumeh

Dr. (Mrs.) Kesiena Oluwaseun Yarhere

Mrs. Aghogho Oluwatoyin Ogundele

Engr. Onome Temitope Okurumeh

Oluwafemi Oghenebruba Oduyoye

Ryan Boluwatife Ogundele

Iris Okiemute Yarhere

Avwerosuoghene Epiphania Okurumeh

Jesse Uruemuesiri Phoenix Okurumeh

Oghenetega Emmanuella Okurumeh

Oghenefejiro Aimie Yarhere

Kesiena Aiden Yarhere

Justin Akpojotor Phoenix Okurumeh

Oghenebrume Elvina Okurumeh

Ethan Oluwadamilola Ogundele

SIBLINGS 

Engr. Stephen Owholo Okurumeh

Mrs. Omotijara Agnes Aklojohwovwo

Chief. (Dr.) Ejedafeta Ashigor Okurumeh, Ph.D

Mrs. Ufuoma Veronica Ighedosa

Dr. Ovedje Gideon Okurumeh, Ph.D

Mr. Oghenebrorhien Emmanual Okurumeh

Engr. Sunny Emomine Okurumeh