I don't want to speak for anyone, but I do recall reading in the FBI files that Aiuppa was not considered a particularly smart individual. But as Snakes said, things did seem to go fairly well during his reign. He apparently relied on Accardo for advice/help. Law enforcement surveillance revealed numerous meetings, etc. There was also the three "A's"- Accardo, Aiuppa and Alex. This is another situation where there are different versions relative to Outfit operations.

I also read somewhere that Aiuppa voluntarily gave up power in the early eighties (I believe) because of health problems. But for the life of me I can't remember where I read it. Others said the power change didn't occur until the skimming deal and Aiuppa went away. If I find the link I'll post it.