Okla. Stat. tit. 11, § 11-10-121: City officials and employees - Suspension or removal -

Successors.

An officer or employee may be suspended, demoted, laid off or

removed by the city manager or other authority which has the power

to appoint or elect the officer or employee. The city manager or

other authority which has the power to appoint or elect the

successor of an officer or employee may appoint or elect a person to

act during the temporary absence, disability or suspension of such

officer or employee, or, in the case of a vacancy, until a successor

is appointed or elected and qualified. The council may ordain that

a particular superior or subordinate or deputy of such officer or

employee shall act in such cases.