In the event of a vacancy to the office of Principal Chief for any reason, the Assistant Principal Chief shall succeed to the office for the remaining portion of the four (4) year term to which the Principal Chief was elected.

In the event of a vacancy to the office of Assistant Principal Chief for any reason, the Principal Chief shall appoint a successor to serve for the balance of the term, by and with the advice and consent of the Osage Nation Congress.

Whenever for a period of six (6) months, the Principal Chief has been continuously absent from office or unable to discharge the duties of the office by reason of mental or physical disability, the office shall be deemed vacant. The procedures for determining absence and disability shall be prescribed by Osage law.