Can't ask previous owner to remove I-pad from his account. What is now?

Why not? If you cannot get in contact with the previous owner, you will not be able to use the iPad. Only the previous owner can remove Activation Lock. If you cannot get them to remove it, the device is useless to you.

Then this iPad is a dead, useless device to you.

User Activation lock is an anti-theft, personal data privacy/protection feature.

If you are not this iPad’s original owner, It cannot be defeated/circumvented by anyone, including Apple.

No one here can help you. Apple will not help you.

If this used iPad was purchased, attempt to get your money back.

Otherwise, please recycle this device responsibly.