Nigeria, Jan. 28 -- The inauguration of the Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel in Ado Ekiti last week has continued to spark controversy.

A group called the Yoruba Regional Alliance (YRA) staged a protest against the panel on Tuesday, further fueling the debate.

This follows the state government's earlier statement, distancing itself from the establishment of the Sharia panel.

In a statement, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata (SAN), said the Independent Sharia Arbitration Panel is not in the judicial structure of the state, adding that "Arbitration and/or Mediation issues are quasi-judicial matters which are regulated by Law", in the state.

However, the protesters gathered at the Adebayo area of Ado...