[2] His mother was also related to Deliyi, an early figure in Abeokuta history, who was the Balogun of the town of Ijemo.
Upon the exodus of the Egba refugees to the comparative safety of Olumo Rock in Abeokuta in the aftermath of their homeland's destruction during the Yoruba Civil Wars, the traditional councils of chiefs - otherwise known as the Ogboni - that had formerly governed them were reconstituted.
After the death of the Losi of Ake (hitherto a favourite to succeed Shodeke), Okukenu was chosen and crowned on 8 August 1854.
Before his crowning, he unsuccessfully attempted to retrieve the head of the murdered Alake, Okikilu, who was the last paramount chief of the Egba people before the migration to Abeokuta.
One of his wives, Efunwunmi, was originally a wife to another high chief - the Baase of Igbein - and had a son by him by the name of Arikuola.