R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-8-4: Grant of letters or administration on incompetence or failure of named executor to qualify.

If a person named as executor in a will has deceased, or is incompetent, or refuses to accept the trust, or neglects to qualify for thirty (30) days after the probate of a will, or within thirty (30) days after notice of probate, as provided in § 33-7-9, the court shall grant letters testamentary to the other executors, if any are named in the will, who are competent and qualify; otherwise the court upon petition therefor shall grant administration on the estate with the will annexed to some suitable person.