Yeah basically, it was a quick coup. It only came together because Neill died. If Gotti had gone word to the other Dons, it would have had to been either before Neil's death on December 2nd, or in the short two week window between December 2nd and December 16th.

If it was before Neil's death, Neil would've heard and arranged for Gotti to be clipped.

If it was between the 2nd and 16th, one of the other Dons would've told Paul, and Gotti would've been clipped.

So, no, no approval. Maybe after the fact approval. But the murder itself was a coup by Gotti and several Capos. He didn't even have the permission of the entire family. Just a few powerful Capos - enough to keep any doubters in line who didn't also want to die.