How do I get rid of the activation lock when I can't contact the original owner

Sorry, but unless you can independently contact the original owner, the iPad is useless to you.

Here are the Apple support pages that outline the Activation Lock - and the only mechanisms by which it can be turned off:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Turn off Activation Lock – Apple Support

As you will discover, unless you are the owner of the AppleID that was last used to activate the device, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. With documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple may be prepared to assist - otherwise they and nobody here will be able to help you.

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community

You can't, unless the Apple ID involved is yours. It's an anti-theft measure.

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lilliana181 Said:

"How do I get rid of the activation lock when I can't contact the original owner"

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This is a Used Item that you Purchased?

If so, I'd say you've been scammed, though a full assumption on my part.

• If Purchased off of a Web site (i.e. eBay)

Contact the site, and ask that the seller be held accountable and that you get your money back.

• Take this as a learning experience:

The next time you purchase an Appledevice, then make sure that you can log into it. For an iPhone, have the original user use this site: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support. Request that you are able to log into it, and assign it to your account, prior to hading over the money. If the seller dis-abides by those rules, then do not proceed with the purchase.