After a 12-hour marathon meeting on Thursday that ended at 1:30am this morning, the tribal council of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians failed to remove Ogema Lee Sprague from office.

Sprague survived the ouster attempt by just one vote, the Associated Press reported. It would have taken seven of nine council members to remove him from office. Only six voted in favor of removal, the AP said.

More than 250 tribal members reportedly attended the lengthy hearing. People who spoke said they opposed Sprague's ouster but council members -- including one who voted against removal -- said he failed to carry out the duties of ogema, or chief.

Get the Story:
Little River Band leader narrowly escapes dismissal (AP 4/29)
Little River Band council considers whether to dismiss chief (AP 4/29)

Relevant Documents:
Constitution of the Little River Band of Indians

Related Stories:
Little River Band meets to decide fate of leader (4/28)