Osun Defender History Corner: February 27 In Focus

Today, on the history corner, we take a trip in the realm of flashbacks and recall some events that marked this day.

February 27, 380

The Edict of Thessalonica, also known as the “Cunctos populos”, is issued by Roman Emperor Theodosius I, declaring Nicene Christianity the state religion of the Roman Empire.

February 27, 1700

The island of New Britain is discovered by William Dampier during his voyage around the world.

February 27, 1861

Russian Tsar Alexander II abolishes serfdom.

February 27, 1900

The British Labour Party is founded.

February 27, 1922

A challenge to the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, allowing women the right to vote, is rebuffed by the Supreme Court of the United States in Leser v. Garnett.

February 27, 1933

The Reichstag fire in Berlin, Germany, gives the Nazis an excuse to suspend civil liberties and the 1933 German federal election is held.

February 27, 1951

The Twenty-second Amendment to the United States Constitution, limiting Presidents to two terms, is ratified.

February 27, 1973

The American Indian Movement occupies Wounded Knee in protest of the federal government.

February 27, 1986

The United States Senate allows its debates to be televised on a trial basis.

February 27, 1991

Gulf War: U.S. President George H. W. Bush announces that “Kuwait is liberated.”

February 27, 1999

Olusegun Obasanjo becomes Nigeria’s first elected president since mid-1983.

February 27, 2002

Ryanair Flight 296 catches fire at London Stansted Airport. Subsequent investigations criticize Ryanair’s handling of the evacuation.

February 27, 2004

The initial version of the John Jay Report, with details about the Catholic sexual abuse scandal in the United States, is released.

February 27, 2007

The Chinese Correction: The Shanghai Stock Exchange falls 9%, the largest drop in 10 years.

February 27, 2010

An earthquake in Chile triggers a tsunami which reaches Japan causing widespread damage.

February 27, 2013

A series of bombs explode across Iraq, killing at least 19 people and injuring more than 100 others.

February 27, 2015

The funeral of Boris Nemtsov, a Russian opposition politician, is attended by tens of thousands of mourners in Moscow.

February 27, 2018

The European Space Agency’s Sentinel-2B satellite is launched as part of the Copernicus Programme.

February 27, 2020

The first case of COVID-19 in Nigeria is confirmed, marking the first case in sub-Saharan Africa.

Please note that these are just a few historical events that happened on February 27. History is full of numerous other significant events on this day, ranging from politics and warfare to cultural and scientific milestones.